Module Details

Module Code: HIST H8005
Full Title: Archaeological Theory
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 history of the development of the discipline of archaeology from its antiquarian origins to the present day is presented and the development in the approach to archaeological interpretation is examined. The impact on archaeological thought of the application of scientific techniques and approaches to archaeological information is also assessed. The major philosophies and the phases of development will be put in their context and case studies illustrating the main approaches will be presented.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Discuss the stages in the development of archaeological thought from antiquarianism to the present
MLO2 Compare and contrast the different approaches taken to interpretation of archaeological data
MLO3 Appraise the major changes in archaeological thought
MLO4 Evaluate recent trends in archaeological thinking
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
History of Archaeology
n/a
Antiquarianism
n/a
Culture-History
n/a
The ‘New Archaeology’
n/a
Archaeology and Science
n/a
Testing, Middle-Range Theory and Ethnoarchaeology
n/a
Experimental Archaeology
n/a
Culture as a System
n/a
Postprocessual and Interpretative Archaeologies
n/a
Archaeology and Gender
n/a
Archaeology and History
n/a
Archaeology and Postmodernism
n/a
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A research essay focusing on one of a number of episodes in the development of archaeological thought; approx 2000 words
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will choose from a number of topics relating to the development of archaeological thought from antiquarianism to the present

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A research essay focusing on one of a number of episodes in the development of archaeological thought; approx 2000 words
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,3
Duration in minutes 120
Assessment Description
Students will choose from a number of topics relating to the development of archaeological thought from antiquarianism to the present
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 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 2.00 2
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
  • Johnson, Matthew. (1999), Archaeological Theory, Blackwell, Oxford.
  • Trigger, Bruce. (2006), A History of Archaeological Thought, 2nd. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  • Hodder, Ian. (1995), Theory and Practice in Archaeology (Material Cultures), Routledge, London.
  • Thomas, Julian. (2000), Interpretive Archaeology: A Reader, Leicester University Press, Leicester.
  • Hodder, Ian. (1999), The Archaeological Process: An Introduction, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford.
  • Smith, Laura Jane. (2004), Archaeological Theory and the Politics of Cultural Heritage, Routledge, London.
  • Bahn, Paul. Archaeology.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources