Module ARCH3541: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3541: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION

Prerequisites

• Either Archaeological Method and Theory (ARCH2121), or Professional Training (ARCH2102), or Applied Archaeological Science (ARCH2041).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module enables students to acquire knowledge and skills appropriate to a Level 3 module in the subject of archaeological conservation. It ids one of a series of ' professional skills' modules that introduce students to the subjects that can be practiced at a professional level in archaeology. It draws on the foundations of period culture and archaeological science knowledge gained ay Level I and II, showing how such knowledge is utilized in a specialised professional application.

Content

• This module offers students a good grounding in the knowledge, skills and the methodology of archaeological conservation. The opportunity to practically conserve two archaeological artefacts is supported with detailed knowledge of the composition and decay of archaeological materials. This will provide a relevant experience for students contemplating careers or further study in museums, field archaeology or conservation. It will provide insight, to those studying artefacts or analysis of archaeological materials, on the impact of decay and conservation treatments on archaeological artefacts.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the course students will have:
• developed a working knowledge and understanding of decay and corrosion mechanisms, the cleaning, conservation and preservation and mechanisms of archaeological metals (e.g. iron, copper alloys, lead and silver), organic materials (e.g.wood and leather) and inorganic materials (glass and ceramics).
• Have gained an appreciation of the ethical basis for conservation and its history.

• Gained practical experience of recording, examining, cleaning and conserving two archaeological artefacts.

• Research and writing skills

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

• A series of lectures, supported by student reading and materials on DUO provide the knowledge base for the decay and conservation of archaeological materials and an appreciation of the ethical basis that underpins the subject.
• A series of practicals provides the student with the opportunity to conserve at least two archaeological artefacts. The creation of a Portfolio consolidates this learing process, encouraging the student to critically appraise the information they recover during cleaning and the preservation actions they undertake when conserving the artefacts.
• Self-guided learning.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Short answer test in Michaelmas term.

■ 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