Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module ARCH1071: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY

Department: ARCHAEOLOGY

ARCH1071: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • (1) to provide a wide-ranging introduction to the history of archaeological thought, the way in which British archaeology is organised, methods of finding and exploring sites and the kinds of information which can be derived from the results of fieldwork and excavation.
  • (2) to provide basic study skills for library work, essay writing, tutorial participation and computing.

Content

  • (1) Introduction to Level 1 Archaeology at Durham (2) Introduction to the subject of Archaeology (3) Study skills (essay writing and tutorial participation) (4) History of archaeological thought (5) Surveys (6) Artefact Studies (7) Excavation and publication (8) Human Skeletal remains (9) Dating (10) Animal and plant remains (11) History of archaeological thought (12) Reconstructing societies and cultural change (13) Public archaeology (14) Professional archaeology

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • This module provides a general introduction to the discipline of archaeology. It enables students to gain a basic knowledge of the history of archaeological thought, the essential methodological approaches to discovery, excavation and publication of sites in their regional context, the interpretation of material culture, ecofacts and landscapes, and the relation of archaeology to the public.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Broad knowledge of a range of archaeological field and laboratory techniques and interpretation.
Key Skills:
  • Accessing library and WWW resources;
  • Undertaking independent study and research;
  • preparation and effective communication of data, interpretations and arguments

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • TEACHING & LEARNING: Lectures; tutorials; self-guided learning
  • ASESSMENT: Examination; class tests; essay

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 1 Per Week 1 Hour 21
Tutorials 4 1 Hour 4
Class Tests 2 End of Term 1 and start of Term 3 1 Hour 2
Preparation and Reading 173
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written examination 3 hours, four questions 100%

Formative Assessment:

Two class tests, and one piece of written work of not more than 2,000 words.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University