Archaeology at Memorial

Archaeologists study past and contemporary human cultures, across a variety of spatial and temporal scales, through the material left behind. Our objects of study encompass artifacts (e.g. tools and other objects modified or created by humans), features (e.g. architectural remains, hearths, artistic depictions), ecofacts (e.g. plant, animal and human remains, as well as sediments), archaeological sites and their associated landscape settings.

In the Department of Archaeology, our students engage in practical training and experiential learning in classroom, laboratory and fieldwork settings that provide a comprehensive education and transferable skills. We have begun to develop and expand our distance learning options through the development of online courses and remote teaching offerings that allow students from all over the world and different walks of life to join and learn with us and discover different aspects of archaeology. State of the art laboratories specializing in applied archaeological sciences, environmental archaeology, archaeological conservation, and artifact analysis integrate students into community-university research initiatives from Northern Labrador to French Guiana and from Alaska to Northwest Europe.

As one of the largest Archaeology departments in the country, we train our students to become effective researchers, critical thinkers, and active stewards for our shared archaeological heritage.

News

New Employment Opportunity: Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) Position

The Department of Archaeology at Memorial University invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in maritime archaeology (in the broadest sense and open to all technical/theoretical areas of expertise), subject to final budgetary approval. The position will commence on July 1, 2024 (negotiable) on the St. John’s campus. Candidates must hold a PhD or have defended their doctoral thesis in archaeology or a cognate discipline by the time of appointment. We are seeking a candidate with a research portfolio oriented to the study of maritime cultures, encompassing the history of human (Indigenous and/or settler) populations and their relationships with marine and coastal ecosystems, landscapes, and changing climates. In a Canadian province where lifeways and identities are intertwined with stories, practices and beliefs connected to the sea, and in a university where ocean-related research and programs are a core strength, we are especially interested in applications from individuals already engaged in, or willing to develop, research projects anchored in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Check out the Employment Opportunities page for more information!

Study in Britain! Spring (May to June) 2025

Empire & Colonial Process

Embark on a journey through Britain's history from a distant outpost of Ancient Rome to the hub of a global economic and military Empire.

Uncover the past, explore the present, and be part of a transformative experience at Harlow Campus - where history comes to life!

Courses:

Fieldtrips:

  • Oxford
  • York
  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • London

Interested? Please reach out to:

Dr. Lisa Rankin
Dept. of Archaeology, Memorial University
lrankin@mun.ca

Dr. Barry Gaulton
Dept. of Archaeology, Memorial University
bgaulton@mun.ca

Carli Perri, one of our MA students, won the 2023 Council for Northeast Historical Archaeology (CNEHA) student paper prize at this year's conference in Montreal. The title of her paper was "19th-Century Experiences of Childhood: A Rural Newfoundland Perspective". Prize winners receive an invitation to submit their research to the journal Northeast Historical Archaeology.

Four of our MA students participated at the CNEHA conference this year: all performed exceptionally well and were great ambassadors for the Department.

Events

Brown Bag Luncheon with the President

Science Building, SN 2025

Jan 22, 2024

Decolonizing Education: Toward Cognitive and Social Justice

Location: Online: Zoom

Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 9:30 AM - Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Dr Marie Battiste is Special Advisor to the Vice President Academic and to Unama’ki College (Cape Breton University) presents a talk on Decolonizing the Academy.

In this talk, Dr Battiste delves into the persisting challenges surrounding educational equity for Indigenous peoples in Canadian universities and beyond. Despite decades of efforts to bridge gaps in curriculum, research, and access, the achievements, knowledge, histories, and perspectives of Indigenous communities often remain overlooked, rejected, marginalized, or underutilized within academic institutions. Furthermore, universities tend to express their commitment to Indigenous inclusion in ways that inadvertently perpetuate Eurocentric and colonial perspectives under the banners of excellence, integration, and modernity.

Dr Battiste offers a transformative approach to postsecondary education, one that has the potential to pave the way for more profound decolonization efforts in research, policy development, and the overall experience of Indigenous students and teachers. By shedding light on these challenges and advocating for a more inclusive and respectful approach, this presentation provides a crucial step toward creating a more equitable educational landscape for Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.

All are welcome to attend this talk which is happening online via zoom, and you can register by going to the following link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kd75s2b

Url: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kd75s2b

Ft url: /archaeology/decolonizing-education-toward-cognitive-and-social-justice.php

Brown Bag Luncheon with the President

Location: Science Building, SN 2025

Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM - Monday, January 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to a brown bag luncheon with Dr. Neil Bose, President and Vice-Chancellor, pro tempore, on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in SN2025.

Url:

Ft url: /archaeology/brown-bag-luncheon-with-the-president.php