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Field Study

Module description

This module facilitates your engagement with archaeological evidence in the field through two fieldtrips, supplemented by an initial introductory session and a later debriefing/review. The two fieldtrips will explore contrasting sites, monuments, buildings and landscapes in the South West region, with a particular focus on how various archaeological techniques and methods can be applied appropriately in different research contexts.

Module aims - intentions of the module

• To link theory and practice in the field of study by combining published information with personal observation of physical evidence, evaluating what is seen.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the principles of 'reading' the landscapes
• 2. Make sound judgements from field observations
• 3. Assimilate and critically analyse published and field data

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. Demonstrate a critical awareness of current practices at an archaeological project/site
• 5. Demonstrate new insights in the field, informed by the chosen sites
• 6. Critically reflect on the presentation and academic significance of a project/site

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 7. Present to a high level a clearly structured, well written and appropriately illustrated report
• 8. Research a topic independently
• 9. Adhere to deadlines

Syllabus plan

For each of two fieldtrips:

• Introduction (1 hour)
• Fieldtrip (two days @ 7.5 hours per day)
• Post-fieldtrip discussion class (1 hour)

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

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

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 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Varies depending upon fieldtrips in a particular year, but for example, for Exeter:

• Bidwell, P. 1980, Roman Exeter: Fortress and Town [general overview of work done up to late 70s]
• Haslam, J. (ed.) 1984 Anglo-Saxon Towns in Southern England [John Allan’s paper on Exeter]
• Henderson, C. C. 1999, ‘The city of Exeter from AD 50 to the early nineteenth century’, in R. kain and W. Ravenhill (eds) Historical Atlas of South-West England, Exeter: University of Exeter Press, 482-98.
• Higham, R.A. and Henderson, C.G. 2011 ‘Danes Castle, Exeter: excavations 1992–3’, Proceedings of the Devon Archaeological Society 69, 125–56  
• Stoyle, M2003, Circled with Stone: Exeter's City Walls, 1485-1660. Exeter: University of Exeter Press.
• Stoyle, M2014, Water in the City the Aqueducts and Underground Passages of Exeter. Exeter: University of Exeter Press

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11107

Key words search

Landscape, Archaeology, Field observation