Module ARCH1071: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY

Department: Archaeology

ARCH1071: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY

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

• By the end of the module students will have:
• Gained a basic knowledge of a range of ideas, materials and debates that underpin the discipline of archaeology.
• Developed a broad range of basic knowledge pertaining to (a) the history of archaeology, (b) archaeological field techniques, (c) laboratory techniques and (d) interpretations.
• Been introduced to a range of historical, methodological and conceptual issues relevant to the subject, principally through secondary literature.

• Applied transferable skills (detailed below) to archaeologically specific tasks and situations.

• Introduction to and participation in undertaking a number of study skills, including essay writing.
• Basic understanding of accessing and using library, WWW and DUO resources.
• Basic knowledge of the 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

• The module is taught through a combination of lectures, class tests, tutorials, formative essays and self-guided learning.
• It is assessed through an unseen examination.
• Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas, supported by reading lists and written summaries of follow-up notes posted on DUO, enabling students to gain up-to-date knowledge, as well as guidance on further reading.
• Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between tutors and students in small groups, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling students to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication and collaborative group-work.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with classes and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two 2000-word essays, one in each 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