TAG 2009, Durham University 17th - 19th December, Call for papers

Just in case there are any theoretical Egyptologists out there:

Session title: Living on the edge: scrutinising suburbs

Session Abstract:

‘Suburban (adj) - of or characteristic of a suburb: suburban life. contemptibly dull and ordinary: Elizabeth despised Anne’s house-proudness as deeply suburban’ (OED).

Where there are cities and towns, there are suburbs. The modern, Western connotations of the word ‘suburban’, however, mask the realities and diversity of suburban experiences across time and space. This session invites papers which present thoughts on and evidence for the material realities of ‘life on the edge’ of settlements from all periods and all parts of the globe. For example, what is a suburb? Who lived and/or worked in suburbs and how and why did they do so? Is there evidence for social and economic differentiation or distinction? Do a suburbs have a distinct archaeological signature or an internally dynamic ‘identity’ in comparison to town and country? What role did the suburbs play in the functioning of settlements? What does a decline in suburban settlement indicate? Detailed study of the development of suburbs, on the edges of urban sites, can present an index of economic growth as well as of aspirations and investment by individuals and institutions. Who was responsible for suburban growth? Can we make inferences about control, subversion, exploitation, inclusion and exclusion in urban societies? Some of these questions break new ground; others have been considered before. This thematic session aims to explore some of the universals and differences in the (sub)urban experience, and to bring together urban archaeologists studying different places, periods and types of evidence from varied theoretical perspectives in debate which is, hopefully, far from ‘contemptibly dull’.

We are please to invite proposals for papers which should include your name, institution, paper title and an abstract of 200 words. Please be reminded that your abstract should specify your contribution to archaeological theory.

The deadline for proposed papers is 30th September 2009. Please submit your proposal to both the session organisers.

Organisers:
Dr Abby Antrobus, Suffolk County Council Archaeological Services abby.antrobus@suffolk.gov.uk
Andrew Agate, University College London, a.agate@ucl.ac.uk