Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module ARCH3451: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (20 CREDITS)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3451: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (20 CREDITS)

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap 20 Location Durham
Tied to CFG0
Tied to F400
Tied to F402
Tied to LF64
Tied to LMV0
Tied to VF14

Prerequisites

  • Any 20 credit Level 2 Module in Archaeology.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Specialized Aspects of Archaeology (40 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

  • Two of the following topics, as available:
  • Advanced Landscapes
  • Biomolecular Archaeology
  • Debates in Central Mediterranean Prehistory
  • Palaeolithic Britain
  • Sex and Shopping: The Archaeology of Urban Life and Work C12th-C18th
  • The Gulf and Eastern Arabia
  • The Mediterranean Economy: Production and Trade in the Roman Imperial period and Late Antiquity
  • Bronze Age Britain in its European Context
  • Dating The Past
  • Death and Burial in Britain AD 400-1100
  • Images of Rome
  • Material Culture and Personhood in Balkan Prehistory
  • Religious Life in Ancient Egypt
  • The Roman Countryside in the Mediterranean
  • It is envisaged that approximately 16 topics will be offered annually, selected to be representative of the full list.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the end of the module, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding in two 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • In depth knowledge of a particular period/area or theme in archaeology, with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of primary data.
Key Skills:
  • 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 case 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.
  • Students 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

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 18 1 Per Week 1 Hour 18
Tutorials 10 Fortnightly 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 172
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assessed essays Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assessed essay 1 3,000 words 50%
Assessed essay 2 3,000 words 50%

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