Research Design in Archaeology

Module title	Research Design in Archaeology
Module code	ARCM110
Academic year	2019/0
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Hajnalka Herold (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	30

Module description

This module provides you with a solid foundation in archaeological research skills and research design. This will be achieved through lectures and class discussions, where we will have the chance to examine different perspectives and approaches in detail. Starting with a brief history of modern archaeological thought, the module will soon move on to practical matters concerning the development of effective research designs suitable for a range of instances in archaeological research, from dissertations to funding or placement applications.

Knowledge about the foundational theoretical underpinnings of archaeological research and methods, as well as understanding of the practical issues related to effective problem-oriented research designs is essential for anyone entering archaeological practice in a variety of academic and non-academic settings. Critical analytical, synthesising and organisational skills deriving from the systematic study and application of these aspects can be useful for professional and personal development within a wider framework.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to:

Provide foundational knowledge of archaeological theory and methods, with a focus on issues of reliability, validity and ethics in archaeological research.
Develop skills related to effective research design through the exploration of case studies and research scenarios
Provide students with a first experience with a range of research design skills applied to the development of their own research projects.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

1. Develop knowledge and appreciation of a wide range of approaches to archaeological research that are required for the specific tasks of the module
2. Develop knowledge and appreciation of practical issues relevant to the design of archaeological projects that are required for the specific tasks set in the module

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

3. Demonstrate familiarity with specific skills relating to data management and practice in archaeological research
4. Show familiarity with a wide range of research design strategies in the discipline, and discern their applicability in a variety of contexts

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

5. Engage in public discussion with colleagues in a seminar/workshop setting
6. Present developed skills in writing and summarising arguments
7. Design and plan research
8. Prepare posters, for conference or commercial use, that are content-rich and visually appealing

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 history of archaeological theory and method
validity and reliability in archaeological research
methodology in experimental archaeology
research design in archaeology
sampling
managing datasets
integrating qualitative and quantitative methods
issues in historical and archival research
ethics in archaeological research
risk assessment and management

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	14	7 x 2 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	2	1 x 2 hours seminars (student led discussions)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	4	2 x 2 hour workshops
Guided independent study	130	Independent study

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Seminar presentations	10 minutes, plus class participation	1-5	Oral feedback (lecturer and peers)
Workshops on research design	3 hours	1-7	Oral feedback (lecturer and peers)

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Research design	70	2500 words plus abstract and supporting material	1-4,6-7	Written
Poster	30	A3 poster	2-3,5,8	Written and oral

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

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Research design	Research design, 2500 words plus abstract and supporting material	1-4,6-7	Refer/defer period
Poster	A3 poster	2-3,5,8	Refer/defer 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 50%) 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 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Alley, M. 1996: The Craft of Scientific Writing. New York: Springer-Verlag
Bentley, A., H. Maschner & C. Chippindale. 2008. Handbook of Archaeological Theories. Altamira Press
Briscoe, M.H. 1996: Preparing Scientific Illustrations: A Guide to better posters, presentations and publications. New York: Springer-Verlag.
Davis, M. 1997: Scientific Papers and Presentations. London: Academic Press
Ferguson, J. 2010. Designing Experimental Research in Archaeology: Examining Technology Through Production and Use. U Colorado Press.
Johnson, M. 2010. Archaeological Theory: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
O’Leary, Z. 2013. The Essential Guide to doing your Research Project. Sage
Zimmerman, L, K. Vitelli, J. Hollowell-Zimmer. 2003 Ethical Issues in Archaeology. Altamira press

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/search.php?search=ARCM110

Key words search

Archaeology, research design

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	none
Module co-requisites	none
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	10/01/2017
Last revision date	29/08/2018