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The Open University

An introduction to material culture

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

This free course, An introduction to material culture, introduces the study of material culture. It asks why we should study things and outlines some basic approaches to studying objects.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • Why study things?
  • A piece of broken masonry
  • The study of objects
  • How to study material culture
  • Object-centred approaches
  • Object-driven approaches
  • Describing objects
  • What is material culture?
  • Everyday objects
  • Making assumptions
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.2 rating at OpenLearn based on 23 ratings

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