Module ARCH3451: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (20 CREDITS)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3451: SPECIALIZED ASPECTS OF ARCHAEOLOGY (20 CREDITS)

Prerequisites

• 40 credits of Archaeology modules at Level 2.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Specialized Aspects of Archaeology (40 Credits).

Aims

• To develop an understanding of specialised aspects of archaeology, chosen from a list of topics representing the main areas of research in the Department.

Content

• Two of the following topics, as available:
• The Ancient Near East: Early Complex Societies
• Art and Archaeology of the European Upper Palaeolithic
• Bronze Age Britain in its European Context
• Religious Life in Ancient Egypt
• Palaeolithic Britain
• The Roman Countryside in the Mediterranean
• Sex and Shopping: The Archaeology of Urban Life and Work C12th-C18th
• Greeks and Others: Art and Identity in Ancient Greece and Beyond c. 700-330BC
• From the Indus to Asoka: the Archaeology of South Asia
• Cultural Landscapes of Eurasia
• From villages to enclosure: changing British landscapes through the Middle Ages and beyond
• Chinese heritage: reshaping relationships between the past and present
• A Global Pattern: From China to the World in the Middle Ages
• Migration and movement of people in Medieval and Post-Medieval Britain
• Forensic and Archaeological Genetics
• The early medieval Britons: AD400-1100
• The Vikings: Settlements and Societies
• Isotope Magic! Exploring the use and abuse of archaeological isotope data in the media
• Death and burial in Early Medieval Britain and Ireland
• It is envisaged that approximately 14-16 topics will be offered annually across two terms, selected to be representative of the full list.

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced levels of current knowledge and intensive understanding in two specific areas of archaeological research.
• deploy analytical skills specific to specialised aspects under study in the department.
• be competent in accessing and assimilating specialised research literature of an advanced nature.

• In depth knowledge of a particular period/area or theme in archaeology, with emphasis on interpretation and comprehensive understanding of primary data.

• Preparation and effective communication of research methods, data, interpretation and arguments in written form.

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

• The lectures will provide students with an outline of key knowledge and debates in the topic area, discuss the literature that students should explore, and provide relevant examples and case studies.
• The teaching sessions will develop topics introduced in lectures.
• to analyse case studies in greater depth.
• to pick up on other issues related to the lectures and reading.
• and to prepare students for their summative assignment.
• Students preparation and reading time is partly for following up specific references in advance of teaching sessions and partly for general and particular reading suggested by staff in lectures.
• The summative essay will test the knowledge, understanding and analytical skills acquired by students.
• 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.
• Lectures may consist of pre-recorded videos and/or live presentations from tutors, and integrate break-out discussions, study exercises, workshops and other learning activities as appropriate to the material covered from week to week.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment may include a range of quizzes, short answer tests and other short assignments related to the learning outcomes of the module.

■ 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