Module ARCH2181: Developing Archaeological Research

Department: Archaeology

ARCH2181: Developing Archaeological Research

Prerequisites

• At least 40 credits of Archaeology modules at Level 1.

Corequisites

• At least 20 credits of Archaeology modules at Level 2

Excluded Combination of Modules

• <If other modules, please enter module code using 'Right Click, Insert module_code' or enter module title>

Aims

• To provide students with an understanding based on practical experience, of:
• the preparation of a research design for a piece of independent work.
• a range of practical skills necessary for carrying out archaeological research
• basic skills in graphics, illustration and presentation techniques

Content

• This module provides a broad range of skills and information relevant to designing and carrying out a programme of archaeological research, specifically the 3rd year Dissertation, including research design, practical and presentational skills.
• Students are introduced to research design and information sources for research and their understanding of the links between research and practical skills are strengthened. Students then carry out further practical training in skills that may support their dissertation. There will be a selection of options from a range of skills and approaches to data.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of approaches to designing and carrying out a programme of archaeological research
• Knowledge of the methods and approaches in at least two of the following practical areas of archaeological research: small finds, historic building recording, metallurgy, numismatics, ceramics, zooarchaeology, lithics, GIS

• Ability to produce a research design for a substantial piece of independent archaeological research.
• Ability to identify and analyse a range of different archaeological materials and data.
• Students will develop skills in at least two of the following practical areas: small finds, historic building recording, metallurgy, numismatics, ceramics, zooarchaeology, lithics, GIS

• Students will develop competence in a wide range of transferable skills, including:
• project design
• graphics and presentation
• IT skills

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, seminars and practicals.
• Lectures will present aspects of dissertation research design and skills.
• Practicals enable students to gain skills relevant to field and artefact based research, as well as to other aspects of the Level 2 and Level 3 curriculum.
• The practical portfolio assess mastery of practical and/or analytical techniques.
• The seminar presentation allows students to gain experience of discussing their ideas with their peers.
• The research design assesses the student's ability to produce a research design and integrate background reading with that design, and is guided by tutorials.
• Research is embedded into the teaching of this module through the nature of the research design as an inquiry-based activity. Students develop research skills in the specialist area of the research design and have the opportunity to acquire a research ethos. The module also enables students to explore how archaeologists produce evidence about the past, develop theories to explain it, and how archaeological evidence may subsequently be reinterpreted. Through practical work students experience the process of research and develop skills in conducting archaeological research.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Assessed presentation of research topic.

■ 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