Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ARCH56560: Field Studies

Department: Archaeology

ARCH56560: Field Studies

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap
Tied to

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To equip the students with the ability to engage in the survey of archaeological or historical landscapes and structures, enabling them to practice, develop and demonstrate their surveying, visualisation and interpretation skills.

Content

  • The students will undertake two surveys of archaeological sites, structures or landscapes, in each case using more than one of the survey techniques taught in the course; a report on each site will be produced to professional standards. At least one report must include a discussion of the site in the broader context of its place in the archeology of its region and period.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
    • Made decisions about which approaches and techniques are appropriate to the investigation of a site or structure
    • Gained experience of undertaking substantial fieldwork surveys, dealing with organisational and technical challenges
    • Written and presented reports which demonstrate an understanding of both the application of techniques and the archaeological value of the information which has been obtained
    Key Skills:

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

      • The nature of the work undertaken in this module will vary, depending on the types of site and survey chosen by the student. It is intended that there will be limited intervention from members of staff, but the module tutor will arrange supervisory meetings, and be available to offer advice.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures
      Tutorials 5 1 per 2-3 weeks 1:00 10
      Seminars 0
      Practicals
      Fieldwork
      Preparation & Reading
      Other: 590
      Total 600

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Portfolio Component Weighting: 100%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Practical Portfolio, containing survey data and professional presentation quality reports on two sites. 80 pages 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Two project designs (one per site) of not more than 1500 words each.


      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