AR3T1-Burial Archaeology
Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level:
6
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Summer
Module Convenor: Professor
RW
Chapman
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0
Email: r.w.chapman@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the contribution which the archaeological analysis of mortuary behaviour and funerary remains makes to the study of past societies. In particular, it aims to make students appreciate the range of types of data and evidence available, and how their interpretation has varied over time and between intellectual and national traditions of scholarship.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able:
Additional outcomes:
The seminars encourage students to make use of, and further develop, their oral skills, in group discussions and individual, short presentations. The seminars will also encourage teamwork, and the development and application of problem-solving skills. The requirement to search for and locate information independently will provide opportunities for students to develop research skills and apply their IT skills.
Outline content:
The module provides an overview over the major approaches to mortuary archaeology. It sets out with an introductory block of sessions that deal with the nature of archaeological evidence, the contributions made by historical, sociological and anthropological perspectives, and the debate on the ethics of excavating and studying human remains. A second block discusses key questions pursued via burial archaeology: social structure, identity, and religion. Other sessions explore the potential and problems of biological data and approaches and case studies are used to pull together the various perspectives and approaches.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A series of seminars, with structured discussion based on reading assignments, and introductory and linking lectures; discussion of one or two videos. There is a revision class in the Summer term.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 7 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | 13 | 2 | |
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 20 | 2 | |
| Number of essays or assignments | 1 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) | 1 |
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one essay of 3000 words, deliver one seminar, and participate regularly in seminar discussion. The essay and seminar presentation count towards their assessment. The essay will be submitted in the second half of the Spring Term, on dates set by the Department.
Relative percentage of coursework: 50%
Essay 40%; assessed seminar work 10%
Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations
One unseen two-hour paper requiring two answers, to be taken at the time of Part 3 examinations.
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September.
Last updated: 23 November 2009