Unit information: Post-Excavation Techniques in 2010/11

Unit name	Post-Excavation Techniques
Unit code	ARCH25001
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Prior
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit examines artefacts, artefact production methods (ancient technology) and artefact analysis. Students will be introduced to the scientific basis and application of the major dating methods applied in archaeology in order to establish a chronology. Students will be introduced to the basic elements of environmental archaeology that can be found in the field and in excavation contexts. Students will investigate the various types of material culture found through excavation (lithics, metals, ceramics and organic materials) and have practical `hands-on' sessions to understand their production through `ancient technology' demonstrations' The unit will introduce students to the basic skills used by archaeologists, museum curators, conservators and other professionals to succesfully document, analyse and curate material culture.

Aims:

• to acquaint students with the various types of material culture commonly found in excavations and museum collections;

• to acquaint students with the various types of environmental archaeology they will encounter in the field and through excavation.

• to introduce basic typological sequences, artefact classification and seriation;

• to enable students to correctly identify and adequately describe artefacts;

• to introduce students to the technologies used in the production of different artefacts;

• to provide students with an understanding of some of the principal techniques in the analysis of scientific dating in archaeology;

• to enable students to gain experience in the use of these techniques through practical application of these skills in the context of the study of specific artefacts and the preparation of a poster for presentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to demonstrate:

• the ability to recognise the various types of archaeological materials commonly found in the material culture of excavations and museum collections;

• a sound understanding of the principles of archaeological typology, seriation and dating;

• the ability to provide an accurate description of artefacts;

• an understanding of the techniques used in the production of artefacts;

• photographic and illustration skills through the detailed recording of an archaeological object;

• the ability to complete an organised and well-presented notebook;

• the ability to produce a poster that would be suitable in a museum display and give a presentation to their peers and tutors.

Teaching Information

• 10 two-hour lectures

• 10 one-hour practical sessions (lab)

• 2 week Field Course (excavation & finds processing)

Assessment Information

Summative Assessment:

• Notebook (50%)

• A poster (25%) of an object that would be suitable in a museum display; a presentation (25%) to explain the poster.

• Attendance of the practical sessions and the two week training excavation is mandatory for gaining credit for this Unit.

Reading and References

• Aitken, M. 1990. Science-based Dating in Archaeology. Longman Archaeology Series.

• Henderson, J. 2000. The Science and Archaeology of Materials. London:Routledge.

• Hodges, H. 1989. Artefacts. An Intro. to Early Materials and Technology. London: Duckworth

• Shopland, N. 2005. Archaeological Finds: A Guide to Identification. Stroud: Tempus

• Griffiths, N., Jenner, A. & Wilson C. 1990. Drawing Archaeological Finds: A Handbook. Archetype Publications Ltd.

• Wilkinson, K. & Stevens, C. 2003. Environmental Archaeology: approaches, techniques and applications. Tempus: Stroud