Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module ARCH3051: SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY 3
Department: Archaeology
ARCH3051: SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY 3
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Applied Archaeological Science (ARCH2041).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To develop a critical approach for the use of scientific techniques in archaeology.
- To acquire skills in assessing the scientific and archaeological limitations of techniques and their application, and to examine the latest developments in major techniques.
Content
- The teaching of this module is based on a series of workshops (seminar format) on themes which are selected on the basis of relevance to the most recent archaeological debates.
- A theme lecture will be given to introduce the topic followed by a two hour workshop.
- Several students will each give a paper on a selected topic within the theme.
- Those students not giving a paper will lead the discussion concerning the papers given.
- The teacher will serve as a rapporteur and provide guidance in identifying the key points arising from the workshop.
- Those giving a presentation will be required to submit a written paper.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Critical knowledge of the use of scientfic techniques in archaeology.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Assessing the scientific archaeological uses and limitations of techniques, and their application
Key Skills:
- Development of research and essay writing skills.
- Constructively critical evaluation skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The teaching of this module is based on a series of workshops (seminar format) on themes which are selected on the basis of relevance to the most recent archaeological debates.
- A theme lecture will be given to introduce the topic followed by a two hour workshop.
- The teacher will serve as a rapporteur and provide guidance in identifying the key points arising from the workshop.
- The two summative portfolios of work will consist of overviews of the workshops from two of the three topics covered in each term, assessing the students' detailed understanding of the chosen topic, their research writing skills and their critical evaluation skills in archaeological science.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 | 4 in term 1, 3 in term 2, 1 in term 3 | 2 Hours | 16 | |
| Seminars | 6 | 3 Times Per Term (Terms 1 and 2) | 2 Hours | 12 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 172 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Portfolio | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Portfolio of work from Term 1 workshops | 3,000 words | 100% | |
| Component: Portfolio | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Portfolio of work from Term 2 workshops | 3,000 words | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Presentation of seminars and posters, and the submission of accompanying notes, etc.
■ 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