Key Concepts in Public Archaeology

This book provides a broad overview of the key concepts in public archaeology, a research field that examines the relationship between archaeology and the public, in both theoretical and practical terms. While based on the long-standing programme of undergraduate and graduate teaching in public archaeology at UCL’s renowned Institute of Archaeology, the book also takes into account the growth of scholarship from around the world and seeks to clarify what exactly ‘public archaeology’ is by promoting an inclusive, socially and politically engaged vision of the discipline.

Written for students and practitioners, the individual chapters provide textbook-level introductions to the themes, theories and controversies that connect archaeology to wider society, from the trade in illicit antiquities to the use of digital media in public engagement, and point readers to the most relevant case studies and learning resources to aid their further study.

This book was produced as part of JISC’s Institution as e-Textbook Publisher project. Find out more at https://www.jisc.ac.uk/rd/projects/institution-as-e-textbook-publisher

Praise for Key Concepts in Archaeology

‘Littered throughout with concise and well-chosen case studies, Key Concepts in Public Archaeology could become essential reading for undergraduates and is a welcome reminder of where archaeology sits in UK society today.’
British Archaeology

‘Key Concepts in Public Archaeology offers a useful compilation of themes and has the advantage of being freely available on the publisher’s platform, giving access to a much-needed resource in a context where most contents are locked away behind a paywall or expensive purchase prices.’
Public Archaeology

‘Key Concepts in Public Archaeology offers an overview of the remarkable diversity of ways UK archaeologists have brought the field to a wide audience of nonprofessionals, many in active roles. Moshenska, the volume editor, offers a succinct but thoughtful definition for public archaeology as “practice and scholarship where archaeology meets the world.”’American Anthropologist

‘Moshenska has brought together a bevy of talented individuals who have produced a solid introductory text that is accessible in terms of cost and content. The book is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to public archaeology, but it does an excellent job in capturing diverse interfaces between archaeology and the public.’Historical Archaeology