Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
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 ARCH3472: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (40 CREDITS)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3472: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (40 CREDITS)

Type Level Credits Availability Module Cap Location
Tied 3 40 Available in 2005/2006 20 per specialised aspect. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • Any two Level 2 modules in Archaeology.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations

  • Specialized Aspects of Archaeology (20 Credits).

Aims

  • To develop an understanding of specialised aspects of archaeology, chosen from a list of topics representing the main areas of research in the Department.

Content

  • Four of the following topics, as available: Advanced landscape methods.
  • Ancient Near East: early complex societies.
  • Ancient Near East: the 2nd millennium BC.
  • Archaeological resource management.
  • Archaeology of religion in South Asia.
  • Archaeology of the global economy.
  • Biomolecular archaeology.
  • Bronze Age Britain in its European context.
  • Conquest, control and military power in Ancient Egypt.
  • Dating the past.
  • Death, burial and ritual in Britain from AD400 to AD1100.
  • Dust to dust: the archaeology of death, burial and ritual, c12th-c19th.
  • Images of Rome and Roman archaeology.
  • Iron Age Britain.
  • Later Iron Age in north-west Europe.
  • Landscape and experience.
  • Material culture and personhood in Balkan prehistory.
  • Neolithic Britain in its European context.
  • Networks, communities and households in south east European prehistory.
  • Palaeolithic of Britain (and its nearest neighbours).
  • Production and trade in the Roman world.
  • Religious life in ancient Egypt.
  • Roman imperialism and native reaction.
  • Settlement and identity in Roman north Africa.
  • Sex and shopping: the archaeology of urban life and work, c12th-c18th.
  • Towns in Britain from AD400 to AD1100.
  • Hunters and Gatherers.
  • Art and Representation in Prehistoric Europe.
  • Continuity and Change: The Late Roman Empire.
  • Power, Imagery and Art (Medieval).
  • The Roman Countryside in the Mediterranean
  • It is envisaged that approximately 16 topics will be offered annually, selected to be representative of the full list.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • At the end of the module, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding in four specific areas of archaeological research.
  • deploy analytical skills specific to specialised aspects under study in the department.
  • be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature.
Subject-specific Skills
  • In depth knowledge of a particular period/area or theme in archaeology, with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of primary data.
Key Skills
  • Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, interpretation and arguments in written form.

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

  • The lectures will provide students with an outline of key knowledge and debates in the topic area, discuss the literature that students should explore, and provide relevant examples and cases studies.
  • The tutorials will develop topics introduced in lectures.
  • to analyse case studies in greater depth.
  • to pick up on other issues related to the lectures and reading.
  • and to prepare students for their summative assignment.
  • Student preparation and reading time is partly for following up specific references in advance of tutorials and partly for general and particular reading suggested by staff in lectures.
  • The summative essay will test the knowledge, understanding and analytical skills acquired by students.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 36 2 Per Week 1 Hour 36
Tutorials 20 1 Per Week 1 Hour 20
Preparation and Reading 344
Total 400

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assessed essays 100% Assessed essay 1 3,000 words 25%
Assessed essay 2 3,000 words 25%
Assessed essay 3 3,000 words 25%
Assessed essay 4 3,000 words 25%

Formative Assessment

None.


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.