Module ARCH3562: ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION JH/CH/HNS (40 CREDITS)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3562: ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION JH/CH/HNS (40 CREDITS)

Prerequisites

• Archaeological Method and Theory (ARCH2121) OR Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2 (ARCH 2041).

Corequisites

• One or more Final Honours modules in Archaeology.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any other dissertation module offered by any Board of Studies.

Aims

• To significantly develop students' skills in independent research and project management by producing an extended dissertation (12,000 words) on a selected specialist topic that addresses a research question defined within archaeology or within archaeology and a cognate subject (Joint Honours students will be expected to have a topic than spans the two subjects).

Content

• The student will undertake an extended piece of supervised independent research and investigate in depth the approved topic using an appropriate range of practical, laboratory and/or field techniques, producing a well-argued and presented report. Students will be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary approaches to the project.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have:
• Developed and researched a significant topic defined within archaeology or within archaeology and a cognate subject.
• Developed a deep knowledge of the specialist area selected capable of reasonably complete treatment within the given word limit.

• Production of a detailed research-led report, using a range of core practical and interpretative skills (including analytical, laboratory or field skills).
• Undertaking of research in and reporting on the significant topic, applying the transferable skills listed below.

• Undertaking independent study and research.
• Effective negotiation (with Supervisor/Advisor).
• Development and execution of a programme of primary research, taking into account the potential for interdisciplinary approaches.
• Sampling, collection, recording and critical analysis of primary and secondary data as the result of accessing library, museum, archive and/or internet resources.
• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, results, interpretations and arguments written and visual form.
• Use of computer and/or information technology to produce a clearly expressed and illustrated report.
• Time management.

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

• Preparatory Dissertation Research Training by lectures and seminar (Term 3, weeks 26-28, Level 2)
• The module is taught through self-guided learning supported by feedback.
• It is assessed through a written dissertation.
• Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between a tutor and student, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling the student to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with tutorials and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.
• In the case of JH students (LF64 and VF14) supervision will be led by a Supervisor in Archaeology and supported by an Adviser in the JH department, where the apportionment of tutorials will be agreed depending on the topic (with at least one tutorial given by the Adviser).
• Research is embedded into the teaching of this module through the nature of the dissertation as an inquiry-based activity. Students develop research skills in the specialist area of the dissertation and have the opportunity to acquire a research ethos.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Research Design (500 words) ca week 2 Literature review/Methodology (2000 words) ca week 8 Progress report/draft chapter 3,000 words, ca week 12

■ 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