Module HXA-1105:
Archaeological Principles&Tech
Introduction to Archaeological Principles and Techniques 2023-24
HXA-1105
2023-24
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 1
10 credits
Module Organiser:
Gary Robinson
Overview
What is archaeology?; what archaeologists study; the history of archaeological principles and techniques; Survey and prospecting 1; Survey and prospecting 2; Excavation process; Post-excavation and dating techniques; Technology and materials and experimental archaeology; Environmental Archaeology 1; Environmental Archaeology 2; People.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Threshold students (D- and D) will have done only a minimum of reading, and their work will often be based partly on lecture notes and/or basic textbooks. They will demonstrate in their written assessments some knowledge of at least parts of the relevant field, and will make at least partially-successful attempts to frame an argument which engages with archaeological controversies, but they will fail to discuss some large and vital aspects of a topic; and/or deploy only some relevant material but partly fail to combine it into a coherent whole; and/or deploy some evidence to support individual points but often fail to do so and/or show difficulty weighing data (thereby relying on unsuitable or irrelevant data when making a point). Alternatively or additionally, the presentation of the work might also be poor, with bad grammar and/or punctuation, careless typos and spelling errors, and a lack of effective and correct referencing.
-good -Good students (B- to B+) will demonstrate a solid level of achievement and depth of knowledge in all the criteria in the C- to C+ range, and will in addition exhibit constructive engagement with different types of archaeological writing and interpretation. Ideas will be communicated effectively and written work will include a good range of reading and demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues and of the existing interpretations expressed in a well-structured, relevant, and focused argument. Students at the top end of this band will engage with and critique the ideas that they come across, and synthesise the various interpretations they find to reach their own considered conclusions. Written work will be correctly presented with references and bibliography where appropriate.
-excellent -Excellent students (A- and above) will show strong achievement across all the criteria combined with particularly impressive depths of knowledge and/or subtlety of analysis. In written work, they will support their arguments with a wealth of relevant detail/examples. They will also demonstrate an acute awareness of the relevant historiography and give an account of why the conclusions reached are important within a particular archaeological debate. They may show a particularly subtle approach to possible objections, nuancing their argument in the light of counter-examples, or producing an interesting synthesis of various contrasting positions. Overall, the standards of content, argument, and analysis expected will be consistently superior to top upper-second work. Standards of presentation will also be high.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the development and current practice of archaeology, as well as an understanding of different types of archaeological evidence and how they may be investigated.
- Demonstrate a mastery of basic study skills, particularly the ability to follow a course of reading, make effective notes, and benefit from seminar discussions.
- Present relevant arguments in presentations, essays and examinations, supported with evidence.
- Show awareness that archaeology may be interpreted in different ways.
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
The ‘take-home’ test takes the form of 20 short questions on the basic principles and techniques of archaeological practice (e.g. answers will comprise of one or a few words). This will test your knowledge of the main principles and techniques employed by archaeologists to study the past
Weighting
20%
Due date
12/12/2022
Assessment method
Blog/Journal/Review
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Literature review & web-search The literature and web search will test ability to independently locate and critically assess resources. It will also test knowledge and understanding of aspects of archaeological principles and techniques. Answers will be graded by considering scope of research; content (the adequacy of knowledge displayed); level of critical assessment of sources; directness and clarity of the review; analysis (ability to back argument with evidence and awareness of alternative interpretations); presentation; and use of scholarly apparatus [see student handbook for assessment criteria in these areas]. Answers will be expected to show a range of knowledge that demonstrates research of several different sources including books, journals articles and the Internet, to show some awareness of the different ways archaeological evidence can be interpreted; and to demonstrate a basic mastery of study skills
Weighting
40%
Due date
21/11/2022
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Essay The essay question will test knowledge and understanding of aspects of archaeological principles and techniques. Answers will be graded by considering scope of reading; content (the adequacy of knowledge displayed); directness and clarity of argument; analysis (ability to back argument with evidence and awareness of alternative interpretations); presentation; and use of scholarly apparatus [see student handbook for assessment criteria in these areas]. Answers will be expected to show a range of knowledge that goes at least some way beyond lecture notes and a basic textbook, to show some awareness of the different ways archaeological evidence can be interpreted; and to demonstrate a basic mastery of study skills
Weighting
40%
Due date
16/01/2023