Module Provider: |
Archaeology |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn |
Module Convenor: |
Prof
RW
Chapman |
Pre-requisites: |
AR1TS1
|
Co-requisites: |
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of theory in archaeology, the construction and evaluation of inferences about past societies, and the different traditions of thought which exist within archaeology today. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is expected that the student will be able:
to identify and describe the main traditions of archaeological thought
to critically assess the similarities between these traditions, and the extent to which they are mutually exclusive
to analyse the linkage between archaeological thought and empirical data in chosen case-studies
to appraise the extent to which inferences can be made about different aspects of past societies from their material traces. |
Additional outcomes:
This module also aims to enhance students' communication and presentational skills, as well as their ability to work in teams, through participation in group-based seminars. The ability of students to engage in problem-solving will be developed by the presentation of competing traditions of thought in seminars and lectures, and their evaluation through comparison with the empirical record in written essays. |
Outline content:
This module takes an historical, as well as a cross-cultural and comparative approach to the teaching of archaeological thought. Students are introduced to the major traditions of thought and their origins in the natural and social sciences since the last century. They are introduced to the diversity of approaches to theory that are practised in the world today, as well as the perceived strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. Then we focus on themes relating to the construction of inferences about past societies from the material traces in the archaeological record. These themes include symbolism and material culture; agency and social reproduction; models of society and social change; the living and the dead; ideology and power; trade and exchange; and feminism and gender. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Two one-hour lectures per week; two thematic one-hour seminars requiring preparatory reading and group discussion; self-study week requiring critical reading of chosen texts. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
16 |
|
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
2 |
|
|
| Practicals |
|
|
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
18 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
1 |
|
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
1 |
|
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one critical review of 1000 words (25%) and an essay of c.3000 words (75%), both to be submitted in the Autumn Term, on dates set by the Department.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations
None.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-submission of coursework in August/September. |
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