This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module ARCH3051: FRONTIERS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3051: FRONTIERS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	3	20	Available in 2005/2006	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

Applied Archaeological Science (ARCH2041).

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations

None.

Aims

To develop a critical approach for the use of scientific techniques in archaeology.
To acquire skills in assessing the scientific and archaeological limitations of techniques and their application, and to examine the latest developments in major techniques.

Content

The teaching of this module is based on a series of workshops (seminar format) on themes which are selected on the basis of relevance to the most recent archaeological debates.
A theme lecture will be given to introduce the topic followed by a two hour workshop.
Several students will each give a paper on a selected topic within the theme.
Those students not giving a paper will lead the discussion concerning the papers given.
The teacher will serve as a rapporteur and provide guidance in identifying the key points arising from the workshop.
Those giving a presentation will be required to submit a written paper.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Critical knowledge of the use of scientfic techniques in archaeology.

Subject-specific Skills

Assessing the scientific archaeological uses and limitations of techniques, and their application

Key Skills

Development of research and essay writing skills.
Constructively critical evaluation skills
The ability to develop a viable and articulated research proposal suitable for a three year research degree

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

The teaching of this module is based on a series of workshops (seminar format) on themes which are selected on the basis of relevance to the most recent archaeological debates.
A theme lecture will be given to introduce the topic followed by a two hour workshop.
Several students will each give a paper on a selected topic within the theme.
Those students not giving a paper will lead the discussion concerning the papers given.
The teacher will serve as a rapporteur and provide guidance in identifying the key pints arising from the workshop.
Those giving a presentation will be required to submit a written paper.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours
Lectures	8	4 in term 1, 3 in term 2, 1 in term 3	2 Hours	16
Seminars	6	3 Times Per Term (Terms 1 and 2)	2 Hours	12
Preparation and Reading				172
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Portfolio	50%	Portfilio of work	2,500 words	100%
Grant application	50%	Application to AHRC (or similar) for research-studentship funding	2,500 words	100%

Formative Assessment

Presentation of seminars and posters, and the submission of accompanying notes, etc.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.