Archaeology and Anthropology

See Student Profile of Laura Massey

The Course

Archaeology and the two Anthropologies (Biological and Social) have long been united into a joint Faculty in Cambridge, whose teaching and interdisciplinary approach combines in-depth study of the principles of human biology and sociality, with the theories underlying our understanding of human prehistory and ancient history.  Combining global and local perspectives, these disciplines are well placed to make a distinctive contribution to many pressing issues of our time, such as conflict and war, the nutritional and social outcomes of underdevelopment and economic deprivation, gender issues, primate conservation, archaeological exploration and preservation, genetic advances and ethics, concepts of 'human nature' and the nature of cross-cultural understanding.

The course at Cambridge has the great advantage of bringing together the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, while allowing you to specialise in one of the main disciplines after the first year. In Part I, which is taken over the first year, you are given a basic introduction to archaeology, biological anthropology and social anthropology. In addition, you may choose to pursue an interdisciplinary course which explores the evolution of society, language and culture, sex and gender and human ecology. Alternatively, you can take a paper in sociology through the Social and Political Science Tripos, which explores the development of modern societies. Part II is studied over the second and third years of the course. It maintains the interdisciplinary emphasis of Part I, but is more strongly focused within each of the disciplines, offering a choice of papers which includes some outside the discipline of choice.  There are also opportunities at this stage to change into another Tripos, such as Part II Social and Political Sciences, or to change into Part II of the Archaeology and Anthropology Tripos from other courses. For full details, and a course brochure, please contact the Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, or look at the relevant pages on the Faculty website.

Studying Archaeology and Anthropology at Clare

The Tripos is very much one in which students are guided through a number of choices, so that they develop and follow their own line of academic interest, and they are encouraged to do this by the College. This opportunity of developing your own area of interest can take the form of a particular combination of courses beyond those required of every student, and especially in the form of a research project carried out in the third year.  Formal Lectures and seminars are arranged by the Faculty and its constituent departments, with weekly personal supervisions (usually in pairs) arranged - and where appropriate given - by the relevant Director of Studies. There is the opportunity for practical work in all the subjects of the Tripos, ranging from archaeological digs to field projects in biological and social anthropology.  Digs and field projects routinely take place both locally and abroad in exciting places.

Admissions Requirements

There are no particular requirements in the way of A2-level subjects. Candidates for Archaeology and Anthropology come from a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds. At Clare, there are no fixed quotas for these subjects, and candidates are assessed on their general educational qualifications and individual ability.  Our usual offer is AAA at A2 level, or the equivalent for those from other school systems.

Interviews

Admissions interviews seek to assess the candidates' general knowledge and interest in the subject, as well as their ability to discuss new ideas and problems.  Candidates are asked to write an essay on specified general themes, which may form the basis for some of the discussion during the interviews, as well as being considered in the overall assessment of the candidate.  Interviews take place in the second week in December.

Directors of Study in Archaeology and Anthropology

Part I

• Dr Marta Mirazon Lahr.  Dr Lahr is a Fellow of Clare College.  Her research interests include evolution of human diversity and human evolutionary genetics.  She is currently involved in fieldwork in Melaesia, India and North Africa, ranging from archaeological excavations to working with the human biology of particular populations.

Part II

• Dr Marta Mirazon Lahr, Director of Studies in Biological Anthropology
• Dr Catherine Hills, Director of Studies in Archaeology.  Dr Hills is a Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and a Fellow of Newnham College.  Her research interests are in Anglo-Saxon England, early medieval Europe, and general history and archaeology.  She is currently directing a research project in the Lark Valley, Suffolk.
• Dr Sian Lazar, Director of Studies in Social Anthropology. Dr Lazar is a University Lecturer and Fellow of Clare College.  Her research interests are focused on Latin America, specifically Bolivia, including ethnography of the state, democracy and citizenship; social movements; gender; the city; and the anthropology of politics and development.

 

 

The Cambridge Course

Guide to Subjects

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