AR1RM1: Introduction to Historic Archaeology

Module Provider:

Archaeology

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

C (Certificate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Prof GG Astill

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of how archaeological research has shaped our knowledge of the development of Roman and medieval societies in Europe.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able:

Additional outcomes:
This module aims to enhance the oral communication skills of students, as well as their awareness of problem-solving through written work and in seminars, and their participation in team-working through seminars and field visits. The well-illustrated lectures and the field trips are designed to increase powers of observation and develop a visual memory.

Outline content:
The module is arranged in two parts to give an overview of the Roman and medieval worlds. By pursuing some common and contrasting themes it is also designed to encourage students to compare the development of the two complex societies. The main focus for the first part will be to explain the rise, and explore the character, of the Roman empire. An introductory section will review the quality and range of sources of evidence, examine how the empire has been studied in the past, and how an overtly archaeological approach can contribute to long-standing debates but also throw completely new light on Roman society. Explaining the origins of Rome and the expansion of its empire forms a second part before the infrastructure of the empire is considered - a world of cities supported by an intensively exploited countryside linked by extensive transport and trading systems. A review of the internal crises and the external problems of the Late Roman Empire provides the transition to the medieval world and the 'Dark Ages'. The main features of early medieval societies will be examined and will offer a contrast to Roman society: tribal, 'heroic' societies with non-urban, small-scale economies with different burial customs and ideologies. The emergence of a Christian civilisation is examined and the revival of the 'Holy Roman Empire' under Charlemagne at a time when parts of Europe were facing major threats from Islam, Avars, Magyars and the Vikings. The Vikings' origins, their society, their exploration and colonisation of northern Europe, the New World and the Middle East are examined in more detail.
From c. 1000AD a new form of political and social organisation - states and feudalism - develops throughout Europe, and a greater variety of evidence becomes available with which to study the medieval world. The re-emergence of an urban civilisation, sustained by an intensively exploited countryside, will be examined, as will the institution of the medieval church, and religion and belief. The distinctive contribution of archaeological evidence to these issues will be stressed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Spring Term: Fifteen illustrated lectures; one essay return seminar; one discussion seminar; one all-day field trip. Summer Term: four one-hour lectures and one revision session.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one essay of c.2000 words, worth 40%, and complete one brief assignment, worth 10%. These must be submitted in the Spring Term on dates set by the Department.
Relative percentage of coursework: 50%
Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations
One one-hour, multiple-choice, paper to be taken at the time of the Part 1 examinations.
Requirements for a pass
An overall mark of 40%.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September.