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Objects: Contexts and Display

Module description

This module can be taken on its own, but also complements ARC1040 and continues to explore different types of archaeological materials. It also looks at the archaeological contexts and the ways in which artefacts are described, interpreted, published and ultimately displayed to the public.

Module aims - intentions of the module

• The module introduces some of the key material categories and contexts encountered by archaeologists in phases of historic archaeology from the Bronze Age to early Modern periods. The key issues of recording, explaining and displaying artefacts are considered, including mounting temporary exhibitions, permanent museum display, and publication. The module explores these issues through practical group and individual assignments using a variety of presentation formats.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Identify key features relating to the properties and use for different materials
• 2. Know appropriate methods for recording and analysing archaeological finds
• 3. Identify artefact types and use the concept of ‘types’ effectively
• 4. Make interpretations from observations of artefacts and assemblages
• 5. Understand the issues relating to presenting and displaying artefacts

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 6. Appreciate the significance of physical materials and technology in interpreting the past
• 7. Recognise archaeological contexts and the artefacts they contain

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 8. Work effectively within a group
• 9. Contribute as an individual within group presentations
• 10. Produce clear and concise work in a variety of written and presentational formats

Syllabus plan

This module is arranged as a series of themed sessions linked to artefact and material categories, archaeological contexts and display. The emphasis in this module is on historical archaeology. Each session will include introductory lectures and/or demonstrations, practical exercises and group study. Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Organic materials in historic archaeology
• Artefacts in archaeological contexts
• Introduction to economic and cultural exchange
• Museums: looking at and displaying artefacts
• Publications: presenting archaeological material and artefacts in academic publications, catalogues and ‘popular’ literature

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

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

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

• Museums Journal (examples provided in class and online)
• Exhibition catalogues

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11091