Elements of Experimental Archaeology in Practice
| Module title | Elements of Experimental Archaeology in Practice |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARCM102A |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Linda Hurcombe (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
In this module you will acquire practical experience is various technologies that may be used in the development of archaeological experiments.
The module is compulsory for everyone taking a taught Masters in Experimental Archaeology and may be taken as an option by other PGT students in Archaeology. Students taking this module come from a wide range of backgrounds, from those continuing on from an Archaeology UG degree to crafts practitioners. By the end of the module you will have gained a level of knowledge and basic ability in a range of technologies appropriate to an application to the development of archaeological experiments, whether or not you have a first degree in the subject.
You will experience a range of technologies ranging from production of cordage from various plant fibers to knapping flint and smelting metal. There will also be opportunities to expand the normal range of subjects depending on what staff are teaching and the expertise brought to the modules by its participants. There are also likely arise special opportunities based on outside activities in the area.
In experiments in practice, you will also learn how to apply your experiences and skills to the development of archaeological experiments, how the results of experiments may be used in interpretation and how experimental archaeology may be used as a tool in public outreach.
Module aims - intentions of the module
To apply the principles of experimental archaeology through reflective practice and to acquire basic competence in key areas
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of two elements (or equivalent) from the following themes: lithics, organics (including some zooarchaeology), ceramics, metallurgy
- 2. demonstrate originality in identifying opportunities for experimental methodology
- 3. demonstrate a practical understanding of pertinent technologies, functions and identification methods for two elements (or equivalent) from: lithics, organics (including some zooarchaeology), ceramics, metallurgy
- 4. demonstrate practical experience to a high level of a variety of archaeological materials
- 5. deal with complex issues systematically and creatively within acknowledged ethical, safety and conservation issues
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. evaluate critically and select and apply the methods of recording and analysis most appropriate for case studies
- 7. write clearly to a high level and succinctly using appropriate language and illustrative material completing work to a deadline
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. demonstrate the ability to work as an independent individual
Syllabus plan
Students must attend pertinent sessions from the following syllabus (50% ie equivalent of one semester) according to the elements they have selected (in agreement with the programme director)
• Lithics
• Ceramics
• Zooarchaeology
• Archaeometallurgy
• Butchery
• Functional Analysis theory
• Organics and Functional Analysis
• Organics
• Individual Projects
• Visits/Projects at external centre*
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | 0 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SLT | 150 | Introductory lectures, seminars: observation and participation in experiments and visits; practicals: virtual, visual and physical self study packs |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| reflective statements based on the practical log demonstrating the ability to learn from observation and participation and documenting basic competence in practical skills | 100 | 4000 words max | All | Written mark |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective statements | Revised reflective log | All | Referred/deferred period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
There will also be a video library associated with this course.
Bradley, B. Flintknapping with Bruce Bradley (Video) Cortez, Colorado: INTERpark
Fullagar, R. (ed) 1998: A Closer Look: Recent Australian Studies of Stone Tools. Sydney: Sydney University.
Hurcombe, L. 1992: Obsidian Usewear Analysis: Theory, Experiments, Results. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press.
Juleff, G. 1998 Iron and Steel in Sri Lanka Mainz am Rhein: Verlag Philipp von Zabern.
Outram, A. and P. Rowley-Conwy 1998: Meat and marrow utility indices for horse (Equus) Journal of Archaeological Science 25, 839-849.
Wiseman, J. 1986: The SAS Survival Handbook London: Collins Harvill.
Mears, R. 1990: The Survival Handbook Oxfrod: Oxford Illustrated Press.
Rye, O. 1981: Pottery Technology Washington: Taraxatum.
Whittaker, J. 1994 Flintknapping: Makingand Understanding Stone Tools Austin: University of Texas Press
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Last revision date | 01/10/2013 |
