Module ARCH1017: Ancient Civilisations: Sources, Approaches and Methods*

Department: Archaeology

ARCH1017: Ancient Civilisations: Sources, Approaches and Methods*

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• Must be taken alongside Introduction to Archaeological Methods (Term 1) (ARCH1047)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Scientific Methods in Archaeology 1 (ARCH1027) and Historical Archaeology: Methods and Sources (ARCH1037).

Aims

• * All modules marked with this symbol form part of an Accredited CIfA pathway
• To provide students with a grounding in a range of methods and techniques used in the archaeology of ancient civilisations, and to develop a basic critical awareness of the potential and limitations of each.
• To provide a core module for students on the BA Ancient Civilisations and Archaeology (VQ48) degree.

Content

• Using case studies, this module introduces a number of key methods and approaches for the archaeology of Ancient Civilisations including:
• Using ancient textual sources and their apparatus
• Interpreting art, iconography and monuments
• Assessing architecture and built environments

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have gained:
• basic knowledge of key sources and case studies used to study ancient civilisations including ancient texts, ancient art and architecture and how they relate to one another.
• basic knowledge of fundamental methodological approaches and issues in the study of imagery, monumental, textual and material culture.
• basic knowledge of how to select, propose and agree appropriate methods for analysis and interpretation.
• basic knowledge of relevant conventions, technical standards and relevant ethical issues in presenting and using textual and material remains for reconstructing the past.

• Ability to select and apply appropriate methodological approaches to the analysis of textual and material remains.
• Ability to apply specialist conventions, technical standards and ethically informed judgement in data collection, presentation and analysis.

• Generic study skills, including short-essay writing and problem-solving.
• Ability to understand requirements for and perform basic description, analysis and interpretation of primary data/sources.
• Identifying availability of sources of information and compliance with procedures and regulations for accessing information, including library, VLE, internet and other sources of information.
• Preparation and effective communication of data, interpretations and arguments.
• understanding of the need for critical investigation of sources of information and opinion used to inform research and analysis.

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 lecture and workshop classes, tutorials, formative tasks and self-guided learning.
• It is assessed through an examination.
• Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas, supported by materials on the VLE, enabling students to gain up-to-date knowledge, as well as guidance on further reading.
• Workshops will focus on exercises using and discussion of key primary sources, supported by reading of secondary sources.
• Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between tutors and students in small groups, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling students to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication and collaborative group-work.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with classes 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 expertise of the lecturers and tutors. The examples and topics chosen within the curriculum will derive from the specialist research interests of the staff teaching the module, and students are introduced to the results of the research of their teachers as well as the wider context of the subject.
• Classes may consist of pre-recorded videos and/or live presentations from tutors, and integrate break-out discussions, study exercises 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 short problem-solving assignments in preparation for the summative assessment 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