Module ARCH2171: Introduction to Field Archaeology

Department: Archaeology

ARCH2171: Introduction to Field Archaeology

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• Aims The aim of this module is to act as a practical introduction to basic field archaeology skills.

Content

• This module provides a broad range of skills and information relevant to archaeological fieldwork techniques primarily acquired through practical experience on an archaeological excavation but supported by additional lectures and fieldtrips

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module, the student will have:
• demonstrated their understanding of the role of fieldwork in archaeological research and appreciated the inter-relationship of theory and practice in the archaeological process.
• Participated in a group fieldwork project, reflected on its outcome, and learned how and when to deploy particular techniques of investigation and recording.
• acquired the ability to identify and analyse a range of different archaeological materials and data

• Develop a broad range of core technical and interpretive skills pertaining to archaeological fieldwork and post-fieldwork analysis.
• For archaeological fieldwork: surveying, excavation, recording and safety standards.

• Develop competence in interpretation of data and recognition of links with other categories of evidence.
• Reflection and self-evaluation

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 practical excavation training, lectures, seminars and field trips
• Field training is provided through attendance at Binchester field-school, which includes practical experience and tutoring in a range of basic archaeological excavation skills.
• Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas.
• Fieldtrips provide engagement with a wider range of archaeological evidence in the field.
• The course is assessed through submission of an annotated reflective ‘excavation diary’ recording and contextualising their experience of the excavation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Group presentation on site: explaining the feature being excavated and the reason for the choice of techniques being used.

■ 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