Module Details

Module Code: CULT H8022
Full Title: Archaeological Techniques
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Conor Brady
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce students to the main methods and techniques used by modern archaeologists to gather information about the past. The major branches within the modern discipline will be examined. Also covered in this module will be the history of the development of the discipline and a brief introduction to the idea of archaeological theory and the idea of archaeological interpretation. Other disciplines and scientific techniques that archaeologists often rely on will also be explored.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Recognise the range of techniques available to archaeologists and the most appropriate situations in which each is applied
MLO2 Discuss the principles behind these techniques
MLO3 Distinguish the inputs to archaeological research from a multi-skilled/multi-disciplinary team
MLO4 Appraise the content and layout of excavation and survey reports
MLO5 Create narratives of cultural landscape development using a variety of archaeological material available online
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Field archaeology
survey, surface collection, topographic/monument survey
Remote sensing
aerial photography, geophysics, geochemistry
Landscape archaeology
Site v Landscape, GIS
Excavation management
Theory and ethics, Site selection
Excavation strategy
site types, special conditions, contexts and features, structures and materials
Post excavation
Specialist analyses, recording and publication
Dating techniques
typology, sequence and seriology, historical dating, scientific dating techniques, absolute dating techniques
Legislation
The National Monuments Acts, amendments, guidelines, codes of practice
Secondary sources
SMR, County Inventories, Museum, journals, Excavations bulletin, specialist catalogues.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to write a short written piece explaining the detail and significance of a number of techniques from the units within the module; approx. 1200 words
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A two-part report explaining (a) the techniques detailed in a published excavation report and (b) the trends in excavations in a given county over a 10 year period; approx. 1500 words
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 6 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to write a short written piece explaining the detail and significance of a number of techniques from the units within the module; approx. 1200 words
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A two-part report explaining (a) the techniques detailed in a published excavation report and (b) the trends in excavations in a given county over a 10 year period; approx. 1500 words
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact A series of topics will be presented to students along with examples drawn from the literature and from the lecturers own research experience. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact Students will be directed to a series of publications on the reading list designed to support the material covered in the lectures and provide detailed information for use in completion of continuous assessment work. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Students will be encouraged to read additional material relevant to the material covered in the module as well as engaging with a series of selected websites and video material. Visits to archaeological heritage sites is also encouraged. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact A series of topics will be presented to students along with examples drawn from the literature and from the lecturers own research experience. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact Students will be directed to a series of publications on the reading list designed to support the material covered in the lectures and provide detailed information for use in completion of continuous assessment work. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact Students will be encouraged to read additional material relevant to the material covered in the module as well as engaging with a series of selected websites and video material. Visits to archaeological heritage sites is also encouraged. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Green, K. and Moore T.. (2010), Archaeology: An Introduction, 5th. London : Routledge, London.
  • Renfrew, C and Bahn, P.. (2008), Archaeology – Theory methods and practice, London : Thames & Hudson.
  • Condit, Tom. Ireland’s Archaeology from the Air, Dublin : Country House, 1997.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Wilson, D.. (2000), Air Photo Interpretation for Archaeologists, Tempus, Stroud.
  • Gaffney, C. and Gater, J.. (2003), Revealing the buried past: geophysics for archaeologists, Tempus, Stroud.
  • Clarke, Anthony. (1996), Seeing beneath the soil : prospecting methods in archaeology, London : B.T. Batsford, London.
  • Kirwan, Sean. paper in The Irish Heritage and Environment Directory, Bray: Archaeology Ireland, 1999.
  • Sweetman, P.D.. paper in The Heritage of Ireland, Bray: Archaeology Ireland, 1999.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources