Abstract

An introduction to the principles of Material Behaviour analysis. The fundamental proposition is that materiality and sociality do not co-relate. Each is a distinct class of behavior with its own operational characteristics. Material Behaviour is a phenomenon in its own right rather than an epiphenomenon which reflects sociality. Materiality and sociality engage with each other but non-correspondence exists between the, sometimes quite severely. The interactions between them generates the outcomes we see in the archaeological record and in the present day. These outcomes may be good, bad or ugly. There is a correlation between the degree of non-correspondence between materiality and sociality and the outcome which is produced.  Therefore, fundamental to the understanding the effects of Material Behaviour are concepts of multi-scalarity, variation, trajectories  and outcomes.  

About the lecture and workshop series

The series consists of three lectures held on Monday from 12:00-13:00 at UrbNet, AU Campus Moesgaard (bldg. 4230, room 232). Questions sent by email to roland.fletcher@sydney.edu.au about each lecture would be most welcome.

Each lecture is accompanied by a discussion workshop on Tuesday from 14:00-15:00 at UrbNet, AU Campus Moesgaard (bldg. 4230, room 232). The questions and the workshop discussions will help to identify what needs to be clarified, to identify new issues and to reveal new research possibilities.

The aim is to use the lecture series in 2018 to develop the first three chapters for a nine chapter book on Material Behaviour.