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

The Dept. of Archaeology is hosting a job talk by Dr. Carolyn Kennedy on Tues., Mar. 19, 2024, starting at 4 pm in QC 2013, as part of the Department's Maritime Archaeology Job Search. Members of the department (undergraduate students, graduate students, etc.), stakeholders, and members of the public are welcome to attend. For more information on Dr. Kennedy's presentation, please see the poster below.

Poster for the job talk presentation by Dr. Kennedy happening on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in QC 2013.

Job Talk Poster (Dr. Kennedy) Mar. 19, 2024

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

Events

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View the Events Calendar Here
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