Module ARCH3491: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYING

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3491: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYING

Prerequisites

• Archaeological Method and Theory (ARCH2121) OR Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2 (ARCH2041) OR Professional Training (Techniques of Archaeological Fieldwork) (ARCH2102).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the theory and application of the most frequently-used types of instrumental surface-based archaeological site investigation, i.e. geophysical survey (principally electrical resistivity and fluxgate gradiometry), and topographic surveying of visible remains using electronic total stations and GPS equipment.
• Analysis and presentation of results will be carried out using industry-standard dedicated software packages.

Content

• The module will begin with an introduction to basic survey principles, and the operation of electronic survey instruments, followed by digital mapping using Ordnance Survey data sets.
• Students will then have the opportunity to undertake a topographic survey of an archaeological site using these techniques and instruments, and produce a publication-quality report of the results.
• The second half of the module will examine the place of geophysical prospection in the location of sub-surface structures, using the electrical and magnetic techniques which have become standard tools in professional archaeology.
• Again there will be a survey of an archaeological site, the results of which will be processed using dedicated software, and used as the basis of an interpretive report.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have knowledge of the principles and methods of archaeological survey, together with their strengths and weaknesses in addressing research questions, in four areas:
• (i) GIS and its applications in archaeology
• (ii) Topographic survey and the conventions used in creating images from survey data
• (iii) Geophysical survey, data processing and the archaeological interpretation of survey results
• (iv) Building recording, including data analysis and interpretation

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• (i) undertake topographic surveys of an archaeological site and produce computer-generated drawings, integrating their own survey data with Ordnance Survey or other digital data sets
• (ii) carry out a geophysical survey, process and interpret the resulting data.

• Access to WWW resources (for OS data)
• Imaging numerical data
• Computer-based mapping
• preparation of data in graphical form
• Electronic methods of data collection

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 lectures, practicals, fieldwork and self-guided learning.
• It is assessed through a written portfolio and through the production of digital maps, topographical and geophysical surveys, which assess core skills in topographic and geophysical survey of archaeological sites.
• Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas, supported by reading lists and written summaries of follow-up notes posted on DUO, enabling students to gain up-to-date knowledge, as well as guidance on further reading.
• Practical classes involve demonstrations and hands-on exercises using archaeological materials and facilities (including instruments and software), undertaken in small to medium sized groups.
• Fieldtrips involving visiting, experiencing, discussing and recording archaeological sites and monuments in the landscape.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with classes and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.

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