Module ARCH43830: Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology

Department: Archaeology

ARCH43830: Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology

Prerequisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• To enable students to acquire an understanding of tools, skills and methods for effective learning, research and presentation in archaeology.

Content

• Typically the module includes:
• Bibliographic research and resources (libraries, databases, online sources);
• Other research resources (archives, grey literature, maps);
• Compiling and using databases;
• Thinking critically about sources (literature, material and visual);
• Academic writing and conventions;
• Visual presentation, tools and conventions;
• Careers in and outside academia;
• Applying for jobs

Learning Outcomes

• In depth knowledge and understanding of specific chosen topics relevant to an MA Strand group, including knowledge of relevant materials, literature and scholarly debates and how to interact with them;
• Familiarity with the research tools most relevant to a topic relevant to an MA Strand group, including library and online bibliographic tools, map sets and software;

• The ability to collect and process reported data using a wide range of resources for archaeologists;
• The ability to use a variety of research tools and sources relevant to archaeology, including literature, maps, archives and digital tools and sources;
• Understanding of academic norms of writing and conventions of referencing in archaeology;
• An ability to conduct independent research in archaeological topics.

• Employing self-initiative to formulate questions and goals;
• Gathering, organising, analysing data and planning time to reach end goals;
• Use of various research resources, software and IT packages;
• Advanced written, verbal and visual presentation skills.

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

• Through a combination of weekly lectures and workshops focussing on different resources and skills;
• Through biweekly MA Strand-based group tutorials for discussion of and guidance on various research and theoretical topics relevant to the particular Strand;
• Assessment: two mid-term formative written essay and essay plan/draft of 1000 and 1500 words maximum; two summative assignments from options including written essay and with a written component, of c, 1500 words.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Critique of dissertation - 1000 words; Plan/Draft of Literature Review - 1500 words.

■ 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