AR2F3: Silchester Field School (Single Honours)

Module Provider:

Archaeology

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Summer

Module Convenor:

Ms AS Clarke

Pre-requisites:

AR1TS1

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

AR2F4 or AR2U1 or AR2U2

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
The training excavation aims to provide the student with an experience of field archaeology in which a basic knowledge of field techniques and site recording methods will be acquired. Insight will be gained into the setting up and running of a large archaeological field project.

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

Additional outcomes:
Students will also develop their IT awareness by observing the creation and development of the on-site archaeological database and accessing the relevant web pages. The first 2 weeks of the Field School will provide the students with a theoretical basis to build on and consolidate during the second half of their time on site, allowing the opportunity to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. The experience gained on the training excavation will provide skills and foster attitudes which will be of value on any other archaeological fieldwork project. The module also aims to teach the student to communicate effectively with members of the public.

Outline content:
Students will spend a minimum of 4 weeks on the training excavation. At the start of the Field School, all students will take part in an on-site training day offering short talks on site Health and Safety, the use of archaeological tools, different recording methods and systems, environmental sieving and sorting, the use of the archaeological database, and site photography. This will be followed by a tour of the excavations. Each student is then assigned to a site supervisor, and during the course of the next 4 weeks, will learn to take responsibility for the excavation and recording of archaeological features under guidance. It is expected that each student will participate in every aspect of site work during their time on the Field School, with the possibility of concentrating on particular aspects of fieldwork during the second half of their 4 weeks on site. Students will also contribute to the development and upkeep of the on-site museum, and help organise events held on site Open Days. They will be kept up-to-date with site progress by means of a weekly site tour, and by regular reports from their individual supervisors. Part-time students will take the module over 2 years, doing their basic training in the first year and developing particular fieldwork skills in the second.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Each student will be given a copy of the Silchester Field Course Handbook at the start of the excavation, outlining aims and results of the excavation, methods and details of recording, Health and Safety regulations and the processes of assessment. Subsequently students will receive instruction and guidance throughout the working day. There will be dedicated training sessions each week on individual aspects of the excavation. During the excavation they will be expected to comment on their learning experience by constant reference to a skills checklist. This will allow students the opportunity not only to monitor the different archaeological skills gained whilst on site, but also to assess critically their own site performance.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
Students will produce a self-assessment document during the course of the Field School, and will write one evaluative essay of 2,500 words, to be submitted at the beginning of the following Autumn Term. A practical assessment will be carried out by the Director of the Field School in consultation with the site supervisors during the course of the excavation. Part-time students will be assessed at the end of their second season.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%: self-assessment document 10%; practical assessment 40%; essay 50%.
Examinations:
None.
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements:
Re-take of whole module in the following Summer vacation, with submission of written assignments by 1 September.