Thinking Things: An Interdisciplinary Discussion on Materiality – 19 December 2024

Date: 19 December 2024

Location: Doelenzaal, University Library, University of Amsterdam (Singel 425, 1012 WP, Amsterdam)

Credits: 1/2 ECT

Materiality theory and material culture in archaeology has lately become more and more concerned with interdisciplinarity across disciplines, as well as the relationships between things. The conference seeks to engage with well established theories, such as materiality and semiotics. We also wish to discuss and integrate perhaps more contested approaches, such as phenomenology. Finally, we encourage contact with new, innovative approaches in archaeology pertaining to materiality; namely, post humanism.

The presenters at the conference will discuss a broad range of topics within the realm of materiality. This interdisciplinary approach not only aims to contribute to ongoing discussions in humanities regarding materiality but also holds the potential to inspire new ways of thinking. This could ultimately pave the road for expanding the existing narrative regarding the material world and its significance in the past and present. By combining a diverse range of theoretical frameworks, we aim to find new ways to understand, interpret and engage with the material world and the interactions between objects, people, and their environment.

General schedule

9.30 – 9.45 – Walk-in and welcome

9.45 – 10.30 – Keynote speaker

10.30 – 12.00 – Block 1, 3 presentations

12.00 – 13.00 Lunch break (at your own costs)

13.00 – 14.30 – Block 2, 3 presentations

14.30 – 14.45 – Coffee break

14.45 – 16.30 – Block 3, 2 presentations (see call for papers below)

Registration: You can register for the event through this link.

Credits: ARCHON members can receive 1 ECT for attending the conference and handing in a reflection report afterwards. ARCHON members can also receive 1 additional ECT for presenting at the conference, by handing in their (Powerpoint) presentation.