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Objects: Contexts and Display

Module description

This module can be taken on its own, but 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

This module focuses on archaeological objects, in relation to their original context and their present context within museums or collections. It looks at the ways in which artefacts are collected, conserved, described, analysed, published and ultimately some of them displayed to the public. Key issues relating to museums, exhibitions and displays are explored.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Understand the importance of context for understanding archaeological objects
• 2. Know appropriate methods for storage, recording and analysing archaeological finds
• 3. Outline the history of collecting artefacts and the story of museums
• 4. Make informed judgements about contentious issues relating to repatriation, treasure and conflict antiquities, with an understanding of the laws and guidance relating to these.
• 5. Understand the issues relating to presenting and displaying artefacts and human remains, including accessibility and digital provision.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 6. Appreciate the significance of artefacts in interpreting the past and engaging people with the past.
• 7. Recognise archaeological artefacts and the ways in which they can be analysed to tell us about the past

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 lectures with discussion and some practical aspects, linked to key themes relating to objects, contexts and display. There are also two seminars during which approaches and issues will be discussed in small groups.

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

• History of collecting and museums in archaeological contexts
• Repatriation, respect and decolonisation: 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