Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Archaeology
Module Catalogue
Levels Four, Five and Six
Semester 1 - 2015/2016
Module Code: AC1001
Module Name: Introduction to Archaeology
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Niall Finneran
Module Description:
This module forms an introduction to the principles and methods upon which the study of
archaeology is based. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. The
philosophical distinctiveness of the subject is outlined, and the various sub-divisions within
archaeology (e.g. environmental archaeology, experimental archaeology) are examined. This
leads on to an assessment of the methods of establishing chronological sequences in
archaeology, and an overview of the methods to be examined in more detail in later
modules. These thematic lectures are buttressed by the use of sessions looking at case
studies of recent research projects within the Department in order to help draw together
and assist understanding of the key themes. Parallel study skills sessions alongside this
lecture series allow you to develop quickly the key skills needed in an HE environment.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay Plan
Essay (3500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
0%
100%
Semester
S1
2
Module Code: AC1005
Module Name: The Development of Archaeology
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Paul Everill
Module Description:
From antiquarianism to the beginnings of scientific archaeology and the work of pioneers
such as Worsaae, Montelius and Pitt-Rivers in Europe, Schliemann at Troy, Evans at Knossos
this module maps the goals of the archaeologist right through the 20th century to the
present day. This module provides a history of the development of archaeology in which the
key methodological and conceptual advances will be introduced and the background to
these developments explained.
Specific to:
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
Assessments:
001:
002:
Presentation
Essay
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S1
3
Module Code: AC1901
Module Name: World Prehistory
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Nick Thorpe
Module Description:
This module provides as introduction to the development of humans from hominid origins
to the development of written forms of communication. Therefore, although the module
has a single chronological starting point (c 7.5 my BP), it has a variable end point depending
upon the part of the world under discussion. The module addresses the main stages of
human evolution and development, starting with the separation from the Hominidae (the
human family) from the Pongidae (the apes), the transition from Australopithecines to
Homo and eventually to modern humans, and covering the origins and development of
crucial human processes such technology, social systems, art, farming and urbanisation. The
significance of the independent invention of key developments (such as agriculture) in
different parts of the world will be stressed. By these means, the student will gain a greater
awareness of the main sequences of human development on a world scale, be able to
better appreciate the ‘time lines’ of the prehistoric periods and will understand how the
prehistory of the British Isles is a connected sub-set of that of both continental Europe and
the world as a whole.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
002:
In Class Tests (2 x formative
assessments)
Exam (2 hours)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
001:
Semester
S1
4
0%
100%
Module Code: AC1903
Module Name: Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Module Credits: 15
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
1
Level 4
Tony King
Module Description:
The module will introduce the study of classical archaeology, and the methodologies and
approaches that distinguish it from classical history and other branches of classical studies.
It is thematically based, covering topics such as social structure, economics, urbanism,
religion and military affairs. Material culture, such as weapons, coins, pottery, villas,
fortifications, etc., will be explored, and the contribution it makes to classical archaeology
assessed.
Specific to:
Classical Studies
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay (1500-2000 words)
Presentation (1000-1500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
5
50%
50%
Module Code: AC1905
Module Name: Introduction to Archaeological Resources
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Phil Marter
Module Description:
This module introduces students to a range of archaeological resources through welldefined practical tasks and site visits. Students will be introduced to local sources of
archaeological and historical information through a tour of the City of Winchester, visits to
the Record Office, Museums and Historic Environment Record. In addition, an introduction
to online resources such as the Archaeological Data Service, Historic Environment Records
and EDINA will provide students with a sound guide to their use. Students will then work in
pairs on different activities each week including the analysis of pottery fabrics, map
interpretation, aerial photograph plotting, compiling HER-type data, simple bone
identification and deposit mapping.
Specific to:
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
Assessments:
001:
002:
Availability:
Occ.
A
Desk-based practicals (formative
assessment)
Presentation (equivalent 3500
words)
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
6
0%
100%
Module Code: AC2911
Module Name: Theme Study: Exploiting the Greek and Roman Natural World
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Tony King
Module Description:
Greek philosophical explorations of the nature of the world led to a vast increase in
scientific interest in natural history, geography and related topics. Exploitation of natural
resources formed a parallel development, with mining for precious and primary materials,
agricultural improvements and the use of animals for recreation and entertainment. This
module examines how the Greeks and Romans viewed the world around them, and how
they exploited natural resources to enhance their civilisations.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
Classical Studies
Classical Studies Integrated Masters
Classical Studies Joint
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Presentation
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S1
7
Module Code: AC2915
Module Name: Medieval Archaeology
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Simon Roffey
Module Description:
This module will examine the discipline of medieval archaeology with reference to the
material evidence of the medieval period, including standing buildings, landscapes, buried
remains, art and artefacts. Current issues, thematic approaches and case-studies will
comprise a central element of the module.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Presentation plan
Presentation
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
0%
100%
Semester
S1
8
Module Code: AC2921
Module Name: Archaeological Theory
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Niall Finneran
Module Description:
All humanities subjects are grounded in theory. These bodies of theory may or may not be
explicitly stated, but you use them, whether you are aware of them or not. It is easiest to
think of theory as the set of tools that you can use to ‘fix’ or understand a problem. This
course takes a wide multi-disciplinary view of archaeology, so will draw upon cultural
theory, visual theory and anthropological theory. You will be encouraged to read and log a
set of key historical texts, and in each lecture a case study is used to help you understand
the main issues under discussion. In this way, you will be able to understand the
appropriateness of theories which may be relevant to your research interests and to gain a
wider appreciation of how we think through problems and issues.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Reading diary
Essay
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S1
9
Module Code: AC3002A
Module Name: Archaeology Dissertation
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
30
2
Level 6
Nick Thorpe
Module Description:
This double module is an 8-10,000 word dissertation in archaeology for students studying on
any of the Archaeology programmes (BA Archaeology, BSc Archaeology, BSc Archaeological
Practice, BA Archaeology combined honours). It enables students to apply their knowledge
of archaeological theory and practice, in order to produce a piece of independent research
which shows clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation
content/subject matter must reflect their chosen Archaeology pathway (e.g. BA
Archaeology, BSc Archaeology, BSc Archaeological Practice; BA Combined Honours
Archaeology and History).
Specific to:
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
Dissertation
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
100%
Semester
S1 and S2
10
Module Code: AC3010
Module Name: Archaeological Project Management
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Phil Marter
Module Description:
This module explores current approaches to project management used in modern
commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. The complete project management cycle from
production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based
assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports is considered.
The impact and constraints imposed by planning and health and safety law on
archaeological projects are then assessed and methods for fulfilling the legislative
requirements explored.
Specific to:
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
Assessments:
001:
002:
Curatorial brief
Programme of works
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
25%
75%
Semester
S1
11
Module Code: AC3041
Module Name: Depth Study: Later Prehistoric Wessex
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Nick Thorpe
Module Description:
The module gives a regional overview of developments from the Late Mesolithic, c7500
years ago, up to the Roman conquest, but emphasis is firmly placed on the Neolithic to Iron
Age, for which Wessex is world-famous. Sites such as Stonehenge, Avebury and Danebury
are assessed as primary archaeological evidence, and their broader landscape setting is
explored. The value of regional study and the significance of prehistoric Wessex to
contemporary society are general themes of central interest.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
003:
Essay (2200 words)
Formative assessment
Presentation (2200 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
12
50%
0%
50%
Module Code: AC3907
Module Name: Placement
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
30
2
Level 6
Paul Everill
Module Description:
This is a project-based, double module intended for those students who wish to gain
prolonged practical experience of working within an external archaeological organisation. It
is available only to students in the BSc Archaeological Practice programme as an alternative
to the dissertation (AC 3002). Students identify and organise their own placement with an
external host organisation, ideally one with a specific interest to them, e.g. with expertise in
excavation; survey; curation; archives; finds; museology. At the start of the module,
students are required to produce an Action Plan for their proposed project, outlining
contact details of their host, the nature of the work to be carried out, health and safety
issues and other practical considerations. ‘Project’ is the key word. Students will devote
their time with the host organisation primarily to working on a project jointly negotiated by
the student, external organisation and module tutors. The report that is the culmination of
the module directly addresses the aims of the Action Plan and reflected on the learning
experience, as well as providing the host organisation with a measurable output.
Specific to:
Archaeological Practice
Assessments:
001:
002:
Action plan
Placement report
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
10%
90%
Semester
S1 and S2
13
Module Code: AC3912
Module Name: Archaeology of Buddhism
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Simon Roffey
Module Description:
This course will examine archaeological, textual, art-historical, and epigraphical sources for
studying the history and development of Buddhism. The module will provide a general
overview of Buddhism as a system of belief and will consider the development of its
archaeological study with particular reference to the work of the Archaeological Survey of
India in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course will discuss the early evidence
for pre-Buddhist religion in the Indus and the early origins of Buddhism in the Gangetic
valley of India during the mid first millennium BC, its development during the Ashokan and
Gupta periods and its spread to other parts of South Asia and subsequently to East, Central
and Southeast Asia. It will introduce students to the main architectural, artistic and
sculptural manifestations of the tradition, discussing key themes such as monasteries and
monasticism, the stupa and relic cult, cave sites, pilgrimage, art and ideology, and the
various schools of Buddhism. Chronologically the main focus is the period between the midfirst millennium BC and the 13th century AD but its later manifestations will also be
discussed including its transmission to the west in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Availability:
Occ.
A
Presentation plan (formative
assessment)
Presentation and write up with
supportive text (equivalent 4500
words)
Year
15/16
Semester
S1
14
0%
100%
Module Code: AC3922
Module Name: Dissertation in Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Module Credits: 30
No. of Periods: 2
Level:
Level 6
Module Tutor:
Module Description:
This double module is an 8-10,000 word dissertation in ACMS. It enables students to apply
their knowledge of archaeological and historical theory and practice, in order to produce a
piece of independent interdisciplinary research which shows clarity of expression, logical
argument and creative thought.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Assessments:
002:
Intermediate assessment (must be
acceptable to proceed)
Dissertation
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
001:
Semester
S1
15
0%
100%