Module ARCH3362: ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION (40 CREDITS)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3362: ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION (40 CREDITS)

Prerequisites

• Developing Archaeological Research (ARCH2181).

Corequisites

• Two or more Final Honours modules in Archaeology.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Archaeology Dissertation (20 credits) (ARCH3371), Archaeology Dissertation JH/CH/HNS (40 credits).

Aims

• To significantly develop students' skills in independent research, the analysis and presentation of evidence and the structuring of argumentation by producing an extended (12,000 words) dissertation in a selected specialist area of archaeology.

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 and produce a well-argued and presented report.

Learning Outcomes

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

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

• Undertaking independent study and research.
• Development and execution of a programme of primary research.
• Sampling, collection, recording and critical analysis of primary and secondary data as the result of accessing library, museum, archive and/or WWW resources.
• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, results, interpretations and arguments written and visual form.
• Use of computer and/or information technology, and
• Time management.

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

• The module is taught through self-guided learning.
• 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.
• 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:

Progress report/draft chapter 3,000 words, early in Epiphany term.

■ 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