Module ARCH3611: SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY 3

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3611: SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY 3

Prerequisites

• Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2 (ARCH2041).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Current Issues in Archaeology

Aims

• To develop a critical approach for the use of scientific techniques in archaeology.
• To acquire skills in assessing the scientific and archaeological limitations of techniques and their application, and to examine the latest developments in major techniques.
• To enable students to engage with current debates and research in contemporary archaeological science.

Content

• The teaching of this module is based on a series of workshops (seminar format) on themes which are selected on the basis of relevance to the most recent archaeological debates.
• A theme lecture will be given to introduce the topic followed by a two hour workshop.
• Several students will each give a paper on a selected topic within the theme.
• Those students not giving a paper will lead the discussion concerning the papers given.
• The teacher will serve as a rapporteur and provide guidance in identifying the key points arising from the workshop.
• Those giving a presentation will be required to submit a written paper.

Learning Outcomes

• Critical knowledge of the use of scientific techniques in archaeology.

• Assessing the scientific archaeological uses and limitations of techniques, and their application.

• Development of research and essay writing skills.
• Constructively critical evaluation skills.
• Communication skills through discussions in workshops.
• Research writing skills.
• Small group work in workshops.

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

• The teaching of this module is based on a series of workshops (seminar format) on themes which are selected on the basis of relevance to the most recent archaeological debates.
• A theme lecture will be given to introduce the topic followed by a two hour workshop.
• The teacher will serve as a rapporteur and provide guidance in identifying the key points arising from the workshop.
• The two summative portfolios of work will consist of overviews of the workshops from two of the three topics covered in each term, assessing the students' detailed understanding of the chosen topic, their research writing skills and their critical evaluation skills in archaeological science.
• Research is embedded into the teaching of this module through the expertise of the lecturers and tutors. The examples and topics chosen within the curriculum are closely aligned with the specialist research interests and experience of the staff teaching the module. Elements of the teaching cover topics at the frontiers of knowledge and this allows students to be trained in current, critical approaches to understanding and interpreting archaeological research.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Presentation of seminars and posters, and the submission of accompanying notes, etc.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.