Discovering our Past
| Module title | Discovering our Past |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARC1009 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
This module explores the development of different attitudes to the past, with a particular focus on the growth of archaeology as a discipline but considering also its inter-relationship with classics, ancient history, anthropology and other disciplines, and the roles of institutions and museums in our ‘discovery’ of the past. You will discuss how Western European perceptions of the past developed into modern archaeology. Focusing on 15 th to 20 th centuries, you will look at major themes including: ideas on human origins, the relationship between archaeology and contemporary politics, sociology and religion and the emergence of science in the discipline. The module will provide a free-standing exploration of important themes in intellectual and academic history as well as a foundation for other aspects of historical and archaeological study.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module outlines how Western European perceptions of the past developed into modern archaeology. It simultaneously provides a free-standing exploration of important themes in intellectual and academic history as well as a foundation for other aspects of historical and archaeological study.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Assimilate a basic understanding of the development of ideas, practices, organisation and theoretical approaches in archaeology from ancient to modern times
- 2. Assimilate information on key individuals, sites, artefacts, modes of interpretation, and institutions
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Research a topic using a reading list and assimilate data from secondary sources
- 4. Develop key academic and library skills appropriate for Level
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Meet scheduled deadlines; manage time and workload
- 6. Develop word-processing skills to produce written assignments
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:
- The importance of studying archaeology's history.
- Development of ideas in the ancient and medieval worlds.
- Main emphasis on 15th - 20th centuries, dealing with major themes including:
- growth of European knowledge of the wider world and its impact on archaeological study topographical study; fieldwork and excavation
- artefact-based studies;
- ideas on human origins
- relationship of archaeology with contemporary political, social and religious issues
- comparative roles of important individuals, institutions, museums and societies
- relationship of archaeology with other disciplines
- emergence of scientific and theoretical applications;
- comparative development of archaeology in various parts of the Old and New worlds.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 22 | Lectures 11 x 2 hours |
| Guided independent study | 128 | Guided independent study, including reading, research, preparation for classes and assignments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group work and presentation on a selected artefact, site, issue | In class presentation with discussion | 1-5 | Peer discussion with oral feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100 | 1500 words | 1-6 | written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 1-6 | Referral/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
- Bahn, P. (ed) 1996: Cambridge Illustrated History of Archaeology. Cambridge University Press.
- Schnapp, A. 1983: The Discovery of the Past. British Museum Press.
- Trigger, B.G., 1989, A History of Archaeological Thought. Cambridge University Press.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | none |
| Module co-requisites | none |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 2011 |
| Last revision date | 05/03/2020 |