Study information

Digital Approaches to Archaeological Data

Module titleDigital Approaches to Archaeological Data
Module codeARC3132
Academic year2019/0
Credits15
Module staff

Professor Ioana Oltean (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

30

Module description

This module provides an introduction to key digital techniques for acquiring, structuring, analysing and disseminating information about archaeological artefacts and landscapes. You will gain an understanding of several major digital methodologies including 3D modelling, linked open data, image manipulation and geospatial technologies. No specific prior knowledge is required, though a basic familiarity with computers is assumed.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to provide an overview and practical understanding of how digital technologies can be employed for the study and dissemination of archaeological data in both academic and public contexts. You will be introduced to key digital methodologies and their applications, and will gain some basic practical skills in techniques that are changing the way we interact with archaeological source materials. You will also develop your knowledge of how to reflect critically on digital methods, helping you to assess the relevance and potential of new techniques they encounter in future.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Understand the role of digital methods in analysing and disseminating archaeological data
  • 2. Identify appropriate ways to structure metadata about artefacts and their related entities
  • 3. Demonstrate basic competence in specific digital techniques

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Gain competence in acquiring, structuring and analysing archaeological data

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Develop capacity for critical reflection

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

  • Introduction to the course and history of use of digital approaches to archaeological data
  • Metadata, ontologies and Linked Open Data
  • 3D modelling 1: photogrammetry and the modelling of cultural artefacts
  • 3D modelling 2: LIDAR and the modelling of landscapes
  • Documenting virtual reconstructions
  • Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Image manipulation and illustration for publication
  • Crowdsourcing for cultural heritage analysis
  • Multispectral imaging
  • Material analysis and microscopy
  • Critical discussion: the application of digital technologies in archaeology

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching22Lectures with discussion and practical elements
Guided independent study128Reading, and interaction with digital resources

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Contribution to class discussionsContribution in discussions after lectures, as appropriate5Oral, in class
Contribution to practical tasksContribution in practical sections of classes as appropriate 1-5Oral, in class

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Written report-style coursework assessing a specific digital methodology501500 words1,3-5Written
Written essay-style coursework designed to demonstrate the student’s appreciation of the wider issues of the subject502000 words1-2,4-5Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Written report-style coursework assessing a specific digital methodology1500 word report1,3-5Referral/deferral period
Written essay-style coursework designed to demonstrate the student’s appreciation of the wider issues of the subject2000 word essay1-2,4-5Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • Favro, D. (2006), ‘In the eyes of the beholder: Virtual Reality Recreations and academia’, Journal of Roman Archaeology Supp. 61, Pp. 321-334
  • L. Richardson (2013):  A Digital Public Archaeology?. Papers from the Institute of Archaeology, UCL, 23(1): 10, pp. 1-12
  • Bodenhamer, D. J., J. Corrigan and T. M. Harris (eds), The Spatial Humanities: GIS and the future of humanities scholarship (2010) (chapter 6: G. Lock, ‘Representations of Space and Place in the Humanities’, pp 89-108)
  • Elliott, T, Heath, S, Muccigrosso, J, (2013), Report on the Linked Ancient World Data Institute. Information Standards Quarterly 24

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

none

Module co-requisites

none

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

14/02/2017

Last revision date

29/04/2019