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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Pre-excavation techniques |
| Unit code |
ARCH14009 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
C/4
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| 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 will introduce the methods and techniques that archaeologists commonly use to identify and record archaeological sites, features, structures and monuments.
The unit will provide a broad understanding of the range and nature of archaeological sites and monuments, and the ways in which archaeologists find, investigate and record them.
The main techniques of archaeological investigation and recording will be introduced including the use of maps, documents, digital resources and aerial photographs, earthwork survey, geophysical survey, excavation, levelling and standing building recording.
Aims:
- To introduce the range and nature of archaeological sites and monuments present in the UK.
- To introduce the range of features that archaeologists frequently work on, such as buried remains, monuments, earthworks, standing buildings and landscapes.
- To provide the basic field skills currently employed by archaeologists to investigate and record archaeological features, sites, monuments and landscapes.
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students should be able to:
- Identify and explain the range and nature of British archaeological sites and monuments.
- Understand and carry out key archaeological field techniques, and explain the results of fieldwork clearly.
- Draw together and assess various sources of evidence that relate to archaeological remains and/or monuments , including previous archaeological work, aerial photographs, documentary sources and historic maps.
- Identify the appropriate technique to be used in the field.
- Show competence in context sheets, section and planning drawing and basic matrices.
- Understand and explain the chronological relationships between various archaeological deposits.
- Keep a complete, organised and well-presented notebook.
Teaching Information
- 10 one-hour practical sessions (lab & field).
- 10 day training excavation and fieldwork.
Assessment Information
Summative Assessment:
- Essay of 1800 words (50%).
- Attendance at the practical sessions and the training excavation is mandatory to gain credit for this Unit.
Reading and References
- Bowden, M. (ed.) 1999. Unravelling the Landscape. Stroud: Tempus
- Brophy, K. & Cowley, D. 2005. From the Air: Understanding Aerial Archaeology. Stroud: Tempus
- Gater, J. & Gaffney, C. 2003. Revealing the Buried Past: geophysics for archaeologists. Stroud: Tempus
- Collis, J. 2001. Digging up the Past: an intro to archaeological excavation. Stroud: Sutton.
- Greene, K. 2002. Archaeology: an introduction. London: Routledge.
- Roskams, S. 2001. Excavation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
