Module ARCH3472: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (40 CREDITS)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3472: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (40 CREDITS)

Prerequisites

• Any two Level 2 modules in Archaeology.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• 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.
• A World full of Cities.
• Biomolecular archaeology.
• Conquest, control and military power in Ancient Egypt.
• Continuity and contrast in South Asian Archaeology.
• 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.
• East and West: Production and trade in the Roman Mediterranean
• From the Mesolithic to the Metal Age in north west Europe.
• 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.
• Networks, communities and households in south east European prehistory.
• Pagans, Christians, Muslims: Changing Townscapes in the 1st Millenium AD.
• Palaeolithic of Britain (and its nearest neighbours).
• Religious life in ancient Egypt.
• Roman imperialism and native reaction.
• 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.
• Monuments and Landscape in Atlantic Europe.
• People and Environment in the North Atlantic Islands.
• Advanced Landscape Methods.
• Central Mediterranean Prehistory.
• Cult, Religion and Society in Early Medieval Europe.
• It is envisaged that approximately 16 topics will be offered annually, selected to be representative of the full list.

Learning Outcomes

• 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.

• In depth knowledge of a particular period/area or theme in archaeology, with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of primary data.

• 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

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None.

■ 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