Introduction to Post-Excavation Processing and Recording

Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Introduction to Post-Excavation Processing and Recording
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( February 2021 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner::
  • Annaleigh Margey
  • Conor Brady
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module aims to provide participants with a preliminary ‘hands-on’ experience of archaeological post-excavation processing and analysis. It aims to give students an understanding of the principles of the post-excavation process and other aspects of archaeological analysis of artefacts and ecofacts. It also aims to give practical experience of participating in post-excavation processing, documentation and preliminary analysis Students will undertake post-excavation processing of artefacts and samples retrieved during excavation, and will receive training in the work and recording procedures applicable to this stage of the excavation process. This module would normally be delivered in an intensive four-week block during the summer.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Apply all routine post-excavation protocols and procedures
MLO2 Categorise and date a wide range of archaeologically excavated artefacts
MLO3 Formulate an appropriate approach to the processing and initial recording of excavated artefacts and environmental samples
MLO4 Conduct a preliminary classification of excavated artefacts and environmental samples with a view to appropriate storage and further specialist analysis
MLO5 Synthesise data from each element within the site archive to facilitate the production of preliminary interpretations
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
Artefacts
Definition. Range of artefact types, materials. The role of specialists.
Environmental samples
Definitions. Differences from artefacts. Range of types. The role of specialists.
Processing artefacts
Treatment of different material types. Appropriate cleaning and stabilisation. Recording and cataloguing. Appropriate storage. The next steps - detailed study. Conservation and the role of the Conservator.
Processing samples
Treatment of different sample types. Recording and cataloguing. Appropriate storage. The next steps - detailed study. The role of specialists.
Site archive
Maintenance of the record. Context sheets, diaries, registers, drawings photographs. Cross referencing. Completeness of information recorded.
Production and submission of final excavation report.
Publication of summary accounts. Publication of detailed report with results of all specialist analyses. Full interpretation.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to submit a journal of their experiences, maintained on a day-by-day basis for the duration of the module and detailing the tasks assigned to them and what they learned. This assessment element will be maintained simultaneously with and will be integrated with the Learning Journal requirement for the other module in this programme: Introduction to Archaeological Excavation and Recording. Approx. 1500 words will deal with on-site excavation activities while a further c.1500 words will deal with the post-excavation activities.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This will examine the student’s attendance, participation in discussions, willingness to complete tasks assigned in a timely manner, ability to work well in a group situation, comprehension of the management of the excavation, ability to work under direction, attention to detail and accuracy particularly in the production of material relating to the written record.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The essay element requires that students submit an approx. 1,500 word essay on archaeological research and excavation techniques and on-site recording and the post-excavation process. This will be an integrated assessment along with the other module in this programme: Introduction to Archaeological Excavation and Recording.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to submit a journal of their experiences, maintained on a day-by-day basis for the duration of the module and detailing the tasks assigned to them and what they learned. This assessment element will be maintained simultaneously with and will be integrated with the Learning Journal requirement for the other module in this programme: Introduction to Archaeological Excavation and Recording. Approx. 1500 words will deal with on-site excavation activities while a further c.1500 words will deal with the post-excavation activities.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This will examine the student’s attendance, participation in discussions, willingness to complete tasks assigned in a timely manner, ability to work well in a group situation, comprehension of the management of the excavation, ability to work under direction, attention to detail and accuracy particularly in the production of material relating to the written record.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The essay element requires that students submit an approx. 1,500 word essay on archaeological research and excavation techniques and on-site recording and the post-excavation process. This will be an integrated assessment along with the other module in this programme: Introduction to Archaeological Excavation and Recording.
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.
Reassessment Description
Provided the student as attended and participated satisfactorily, reassessment on the basis of coursework will be offered. Where attendance and participation has been unsatisfactory, the student will be required to reattend.

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer Supervised Learning Contact Central to this module is the student's direct participation in live post-excavation research which takes place in parallel with an excavation in a field laboratory on an archaeological excavation site. Every Week 12.00 12
Lecture Contact A series of topics will be presented dealing with the approaches and processes involved in excavation methodology based on examples drawn from the literature and from the lecturers' own research experience. Some lectures will be delivered by invited guest lecturers who are acknowledged experts/specialists in their areas. Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact Students will participate in a series of practicals/workshops where they will be introduced to aspects of post excavation processing and recording, and other topics as arise. 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 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Students will spend time researching and writing their reflective journal each day Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 20.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 16.00
Workload: Part Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact A series of topics will be presented dealing with the approaches and processes involved in excavation methodology based on examples drawn from the literature and from the lecturers' own research experience. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer Supervised Learning Contact Central to this module is the student's direct participation in live research excavation which takes place in an 'open-air classroom' on an archaeological excavation site. Every Week 12.00 12
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
Practical Contact Students will participate in a series of practicals/workshops where they will be introduced to aspects of post excavation processing and recording, and other topics as arise. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Students will spend time researching and writing their reflective journal each day Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 20.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 16.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Green, K. and Moore, T.. (2010), Archaeology, An Introduction, 5th. Routledge, Oxford, [ISBN: 978-0-415-49639-1].
  • Renfrew, C. and Bahn, P.. (2008), Archaeology: Theory, Methods and Practice, 5th. Thames & Hudson, London, [ISBN: 978-0500287132].
  • Museum of London. (1990), Archaeological Site Manual, 2nd. Museum of London, London, [ISBN: 978-0904818406].
  • Roskams, S.. (2001), Excavation (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology), 1st. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 978-0521798013].
  • Drewett, P.. (2011), Field Archaeology: An Introduction, 2nd. Routledge, London, [ISBN: 978-0415551199].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • PDF/hard-copy handout., Blackfriary Archaeology Field School. (2019), Post-Excavation Handbook, Trim, Blackfriary Archaeology Field School,
    http://bafs.ie