Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Archaeology
Module Catalogue
Levels Four, Five and Six
Semester 2 - 2015/2016
Module Code: AC1900
Module Name: The Archaeology of the Historic Period
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Simon Roffey
Module Description:
This module provides a brief conspectus of the historical period from the emergence of
civilizations through to the present day. The world context is emphasised and the major
developments in each period will be explored. The module is illustrated throughout by case
studies through which students can appreciate how ideas about these cultures have
developed from the beginnings of antiquarian archaeology to the application of modern
theory. Key conceptual issues, such as exchange/trade, colonisation, political, religious and
social developments, will be explained and discussed in relation to specific examples.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Revision diary
Exam
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
0%
100%
Semester
S2
2
Module Code: AC1902
Module Name: Introduction to Archaeological Science
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Keith Wilkinson
Module Description:
The Archaeological Science Project module is an opportunity for students to work on a
coherent collection of samples and/or undertake a small scale field project using
archaeological science approaches/techniques. As such the module is ideal preparation for
the Level 6 final year project in that it enables students to get a taste of working
independently and communicating a piece of original research. The module is also an
opportunity to become familiar with standard laboratory practice and consider how
scientific data are conventionally reported. Hence the module commences with a series of
seminars in which possible projects are introduced, laboratory practice is examined and the
reporting of archaeological science data reviewed. Students then choose the project they
wish to carry out (they may either pick one of those devised by staff or formulate their own)
and spend the rest of the module time undertaking the necessary laboratory/field work and
producing the report. Students will meet with staff on at least a bi-weekly basis to discuss
their progress and to talk through any problems they might have encountered. Students
may choose to undertake their project alone or in pairs, but whichever approach is chosen
they must produce an individual written product. Text will be expected to take the form of
either a technical report or a journal paper.
Specific to:
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Project
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S2
3
Module Code: AC1904
Module Name: Introduction to Classical Art and Architecture
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Christina Grande
Module Description:
The module is chronologically and thematically based, covering topics such as Greek
religious imagery; the development of temples; the creation of idealised images by Greek
city states; Roman use of Greek imagery for status; Roman public and private portraiture;
innovative Roman architecture in civic and domestic contexts. The module will start with an
introduction to the Bronze Age cultures of Minoan Crete & Mycenaean Greece and then
progress through the Greek Geometric, Archaic & Classical periods , the Hellenistic
kingdoms of Alexander’s Empire & on to the Roman Republic and Roman Empire to the time
of Constantine.
Specific to:
Classical Studies
Assessments:
001:
002:
Presentation
Essay
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S2
4
Module Code: AC1906
Module Name: Introduction to Archaeological Fieldwork
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Phil Marter
Module Description:
This module introduces students to the range of fieldwork techniques available to
archaeologists and explores their various strengths and weaknesses. It outlines how each
technique works and provides a guide to their appropriate use. The first part of the module
comprises a series of lectures that introduce each technique and the equipment used. The
second half of the module provides an opportunity for introductory training on equipment
used by the Archaeology Department at a local archaeological site.
Specific to:
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
Assessments:
001:
002:
Seminar (formative assessment)
Essay (equivalent 3500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
5
0%
100%
Module Code: AC1907
Module Name: Introduction to Material Culture
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Christina Grande
Module Description:
Archaeologists deal with things. These things (material culture or artefacts) are a way of
understanding the lives of the humans who made them. This course presents you with a
detailed background to the main categories of material culture that you might encounter on
any archaeological sites; these items include: stone tools, pottery, coins, metalwork etc. You
will learn about the technology behind these artefacts, and crucially how things that we
make do not just have a simple function, but also encode important symbolic information as
well. By the end of this course you will look afresh at the way humans make and give
meaning to even the most mundane and everyday items.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Formative assessment: project plan
Project (3500 words)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
6
0%
100%
Module Code: AC2011
Module Name: Early Prehistoric Europe
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Nick Thorpe
Module Description:
This module will examine prehistoric Europe from the first colonisation by hominids before
500,000 BC (during the Lower Palaeolithic) to the development of an agricultural economy
across the continent in the Neolithic. It will encompass some of the most significant changes
to occur in human anatomy, society and economy. Anthropological, archaeological,
anotomical and linguistic evidence will all be considered. Among the major issues dealt with
are the origins of thought and symbolic behaviour, the competing `Out Of Africa' and local
development models of the replacement of Neanderthals by Homo sapiens sapiens, the
meaning of cave art and figurines, the beginnings of agriculture in the Near East and its
spread across Europe, and the social roles of early monuments. The debates surrounding
these issues will be studied and the various positions adopted will be examined in the
context of national archaeological traditions.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Presentation
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S2
7
Module Code: AC2035
Module Name: Theory and Research Methods in Archaeology
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Simon Roffey
Module Description:
The module discusses the planning and preparation of archaeological research and the
research methods used, with particular reference to the dissertation. A second component
examines some of the ways in which archaeologists have handled the history of ideas and
have conceptualised their subject. The recent theoretical development of the discipline is
discussed from a critical standpoint, and is followed by case-studies to explore the
application of particular theories in practice.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Dissertation research design
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
8
50%
50%
Module Code: AC2916
Module Name: The Archaeology of Death and Burial
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Nick Thorpe
Module Description:
The module examines archaeological, architectural and literary evidence for funerary and
burial practice. It explores the development of cemetery and individual burial customs from
prehistory to the present day. The focus is on Western European evidence, but relevant
material from elsewhere will also be considered. Methodologies discussed include the
recording of graveyards and cemetery analysis. Current debates to be highlighted include
the reburial of excavated skeletons, and the ethics of burial excavations.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
Classical Studies
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
9
Day
Time
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: AC3044
Module Name: Depth Study: the Archaeology of Winchester
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Simon Roffey
Module Description:
This module aims to examine the archaeology of Winchester and its environs in the period
AD50-1900. Excavation reports, architectural surveys, finds reports, museum collections and
standing remains are analysed through a variety of practical and theoretical approaches.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Revision/lecture diary (formative assessment)
Exam (equivalent 4500 words in total)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
11
0%
100%
Module Code: AC3060
Module Name: Roman Art and Architecture
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Christina Grande
Module Description:
The module will analyse the appearance and purposes of Roman art and architecture within
its original cultural context to enhance understanding of Roman society and the
communication of ideas. The background of Greek and Etruscan influences will be
introduced to explain the complex nature of Roman visual culture and the varied messages
that the imagery conveyed. The techniques, styles and original appearance of public
buildings, portraiture, relief sculpture, wall paintings and mosaics will be used as a
foundation for understanding different facets of life, public and private, religious and
secular. The period considered will start with the late Republic and continue through to
Constantine and the changes that are visible in the 4th century art of early Christians in
Rome.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Exam
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S2
12
Module Code: AC3900
Module Name: Depth Study: the Archaeology of Africa
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Niall Finneran
Module Description:
This module will explore the archaeological (and artistic) evidence for a variety of African
societies from approximately c. 330 BC to c. AD1900. The geographical scope will include
societies from western, eastern and southern Africa as well as Greco-Roman Egypt and
Nubia. Archaeological material will be contextualised within a broadly anthropological
framework, a variety of inter-related strands of evidence will be considered: linguistics,
genetics, lithic and ceramic materials, metalworking, monumental and domestic
architecture, rock art, painted art and carving. The variety of different African socio-cultural
traditions over the last 2400 or so years will be placed within a global perspective, giving
students an important wider methodological and geographical context for their studies.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
02:
Digital Poster (equivalent 2200 words)
Exam (2 hours)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
Semester
S2
13
50%
50%
Day
Time
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
S2
14
Day
Time
Module Code: AC3909
Module Name: The Archaeology of Italy, 800 BC - AD 500
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 6
Tony King
Module Description:
The module explores the theme of cultural diversity and interaction, using the case study of
ancient Italy during the period 800 BC to AD 500. The content of the module is centred on
an archaeological survey of the different cultures of the region (Roman, Etruscan, Greek,
Phoenician, Celtic, Samnite, etc.), set against the known historical context. Emphasis will be
placed on the evidence for cultural homogeneity and interaction, examined through themes
such as burial practices, art, the economy, conflict, etc. Themes explored will include urbanrural relationships; development and change in trade networks; religious change and
diversity; the rise and decline of Roman hegemony.
Specific to:
Ancient, Classical and Medieval Studies
Archaeology Named Honours
Archaeology Joint
Archaeological Practice
History, Civilisations and Beliefs
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Exam (2 hours)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S2
15
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 and S2
16
0%
100%