Archaeological Finds: from Field to Publication
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CLAR2022 | Classics and Archaeology | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- CLAR2022
- School
- Classics and Archaeology
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The aim of this module is to teach skills in finds processing and analytical archaeological science in an understandable, practical and applied way. This will be taught through a series of workshops and laboratory sessions, focussing each week on a different set of archaeological finds and appropriate analytical skills.
All teaching will have a practical, skills focus whereby theory (which questions can/should we ask?) and techniques (what methods can help us evidence the answers?) are taught together. Staff will guide students through the processing of archaeological finds during workshops, teaching the correct storage, handing, recording, analyses and reporting of archaeological material culture.
Teaching will be in line with professional best practice, and students will be offered the chance to complete professional assessment criteria (Archaeological Skills Passport; MoRPHE self-assessment) as part of this course. It will reference best practice guides to teach techniques and key skills used commonly in commercial and research archaeology.
All students will participate fully in all workshops. By the end of course, students will have compiled a digital portfolio of resources that will be helpful to them in further developing the skills and techniques demonstrated in this module in a professional setting. They will also practice preparing final reports, developing key skills in quantitative and qualitative reporting, the importance of effective illustration of finds and data, and factual and interpretative writing.
Target Students
Available to Level 2 students studying BSc Archaeology in the Department of Classics and Archaeology and to MSci Natural Sciences students on the Archaeology pathway. Also available to Liberal Arts students and Level 2 BA Archaeology students in the Department of Classics and Archaeology and to exchange students.
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 7 weeks
- One 4-hour laboratory each week for 3 weeks
- One 4-hour field studies
1x Fieldtrip in Directed Studies Week: destinations may include Sutton Bonington campus; BGS Keyworth; Trent and Peak, Beeston, etc.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Portfolio of resources that detail methodology and application of skills taught on the course, or those that further develop these techniques, an annotated bibliography of the materials included in the portfolio and a Professional Development Plan for the student. 1500 words
- 60% Coursework 2: Final report on the analysis of materials undertaken through workshops and laboratories. 2000 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to teach key practical skills in archaeological processes and materials that will be useful in commercial and research careers. It will address key theoretical and methodological approaches, many of which are identified as part of the ‘skills shortage’ developing at present in archaeological and heritage sectors, through sector-identified professional best practice.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students that complete this course will have a wide understanding and practical knowledge of many of the key heritage/archaeological science techniques that are utilised across the sector.
They will:
be knowledgeable in areas of bioarchaeology and material studies (Assessment: Coursework and Report)
have practical skills in archaeological finds processing, including correct storage, handing, recording, analyses and reporting of archaeological material culture. (Assessment: Coursework and Report)
be knowledgeable regarding how post-excavation analysis and research fits within sector best practice project management (MoRPHE, including optional self-assessment and certification)
understand the theory and techniques used in archaeological finds processing; be able to match research questions with appropriate techniques and material types
be able to accurately collect, manage and manipulate sophisticated qualitative and quantitate data from a number of disparate sources and analyses (Assessment: Report)
practice statistical assessment of data
have practical experience of a range of material and analysis types
have practical experience working in research laboratories
be able to communicate the results of analysis and data collection through report writing
Transferable (Key) Skills
communication
IT skills
statistical analysis
scientific analysis
research skills
literacy
numeracy
research laboratory competency
problem solving
self-motivation
team working
time management