Rome to Revolution: Historical Archaeology of Britain
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CLAR1019 | Classics and Archaeology | 1 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- CLAR1019
- School
- Classics and Archaeology
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module provides you with an overview of the archaeology of Britain from the Roman invasion until the industrial revolution. This was a period of dramatic change in Britain, and using key sites and discoveries students will be introduced to the challenges of understanding the archaeology of periods partially documented in textual sources. The module covers the Roman invasion and military and civilian life in the Roman province of Britannia; Anglo-Saxon and Viking incursions and settlement; medieval castles, towns and monasteries; the impact of the Reformation and the growth of the Tudor state; and the role of industry and urbanisation in the making of modern Britain. The teaching is delivered via a mix of lectures and a museum session, on average taking up 2 hours per week across the spring semester.
Target Students
Available to all Undergraduate level 1 students in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, including Liberal Arts, exchange and subsidiary students.
Classes
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 10 weeks
Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester
Assessment
- 100% Take home exam (24-hour): Moodle
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide a broad introduction to the archaeology of Britain in its European context, from the Roman invasion up to the Industrial Revolution (from c. AD 43 – 1900). It provides the necessary knowledge base from which to pursue other modules on aspects of the archaeology of Roman, Medieval and Historical periods offered in the Department of Classics andArchaeology. By the end of the module, students should have an understanding of the broad chronological development and key themes in British archaeology over the past 2000 years. They will also gain an appreciation of archaeological approaches in textually-documented periods, and the complexities of integrating varied sources of archaeological evidence including landscapes, standing buildings, excavated evidence and material culture.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate broad knowledge of the archaeological evidence for Britain within a wider European context in the period from c. AD 43 to AD 1900.
- Demonstrate understanding of key themes in the interpretation of archaeological evidence for this period
- Intellectual
By the end of the module, students should be able to: - Demonstrate critical awareness of a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the archaeology of historic periods.
- Use archaeological evidence to construct and support arguments relating to broad themes and specific topics in the archaeology of historic periods
- Practical and professional
By the end of the module, students will: - Have gained experience of using primary archaeological evidence for historic periods through focused small-group teaching.
- Transferable (Key) skills
By the end of this module, students will: - Develop their independent study skills through preparation for lectures and small group sessions and module assessment tasks
- Develop their skills in observation and verbal communication within the context of small group sessions
- Develop their ability to produce cogent and critical written arguments supported by evidence