| 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 |
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 successfully document, analyse and curate material culture.
Aims:
At the end of this unit, a successful student will be able to:
1) Identify the various types of material culture commonly found in excavations and museum collections;
2) Recognise the various types of environmental archaeology encountered in the field and through excavation;
3) Comprehend basic typological sequences, artefact classification and seriation;
4) Correctly identify and adequately describe artefacts;
5) Describe the technologies used in the production of different artefacts;
6) Identify some of the principle techniques in the analysis of scientific dating in archaeology;
7) Confidently handle artefacts and ecofacts;
8) Draw and photograph artefacts to publication standard
9) Present a poster (oral presentation);
10) Produce an organised and well-presented notebook
A 2-hr lecture (x 1 two hour block) and a 1 hour practical session per week (lab)= 3 hours per week in total. Attendance at a x 2 week training excavation (10 full days in total.
