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The module starts with a 4 day experimental archaeology field course focusing on ancient technology and subsistence methods and the problem of interpreting archaeological remains. The lectures and seminars identify a range of spatial and temporal scales within which archaeological analysis is undertaken (topics to include activity areas, site types, landscapes, culture areas, site formation, stratigraphy, seriation, absolute dating and experimental archaeology).

It will also introduce archaeological approaches to artefact studies (materials analysis, technology, material culture and identity, including specific materials such as lithics, pottery, metal and cloth). This module aims to introduce basic scientific approaches to materials analysis, spatial analysis and dating.

This module is only available to those enrolled for undergraduate degrees at the Institute of Archaeology.

Module description

This module explores some of the fundamental materials and ideas used in archaeological analysis and interpretation.Ìý Sites and artefacts are the primary material remains that provide a record of human activities in the past. The first section of the module introduces how archaeological sites are formed and how we can analyse the spatial organization of these.Ìý ÌýWe will consider how the archaeological record is created by a series of ‘formation processes’ through which materials can be accumulated, mixed or removed, building a stratigraphic record within which artefacts are found.Ìý We start with concepts of ‘activity areas’, ‘habitation’ and ‘deposition’ to consider the components that make up archaeological sites and how these are located within a wider landscape. ÌýWe will also introduce the means used to determine relative and absolute ages of archaeological sequences.Ìý In the second part we will engage with a range of materials and technologies used in the past (such as flint knapping, pottery making, metal casting and weaving) showing how we can assess the selection of raw materials, production techniques and artefact function as well as the role of objects in expressing people’s identities.Ìý We introduce broad concepts, methods and analytical techniques that can be used in the study of many classes and types of artefact.Ìý Throughout the module we will use case studies drawn from a wide range of geographical areas and archaeological periods including the present day, exploring how the applications of analytical techniques has been used to address archaeological problems.Ìý Practicals with seminar discussion will give students an opportunity to discuss topics covered in the course.Ìý

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the problems of interpreting archaeological remains and raise their awareness of the multiple spatial and temporal scales within which archaeological analysis is undertaken.Ìý It will introduce distinct approaches to artefact studies including a consideration of technology, material culture and style in archaeology, and introduce concepts and application of scientific methods used in the analysis and interpretation of archaeological materials, spatial analysis, and dating.Ìý Students will learn basic archaeological concepts (such as assemblage formation, culture and style as well as approaches to typology, technology, temporality, and landscape).Ìý Students will be introduced to the role of analogy and experiment in archaeological analysis and gain an understanding of how material remains are deposited in archaeological contexts, then further altered through cultural and natural transformation process.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should have developed:

Transferable skills:

1. Observational skills (including recognising and describing material remains).
2. Research skills (including an awareness of how library-based research can be complimented by laboratory analysis and field recording).
3. Self-management skills.
4. Reasoned and critical assessment of multiple sources of evidence (identifying problems and evaluate answers or solutions).
5. Understand the importance of health and safety in the work environment.

Subject knowledge, understanding and skills:

1. Demonstrate comprehension of the problematic and varied nature of archaeological evidence in the field and/or in artefact-based, collections-based, or records-based studies
2. Analyse and reflect critically upon a range of archaeological data (including how archaeological artefacts, contexts, sites, and landscapes are identified, described and compared).

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