MODULE SPECIFICATION COVER SHEET
1.
Title of the module
CL604 – Roman and Medieval Artefacts
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of European Culture and Languages
3.
The level of the module (e.g. Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7)
Level 6
4.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
30 Credits (15 ECTS)
5.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn or Spring
6.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
7.
The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BA Classical & Archaeological Studies; BA Ancient History; BA Classical Studies. Also available as
a wild module.
8.
9.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1
identify a range of the more common Roman and medieval artefacts and place them
within the appropriate chronological period, thereby gaining an in-depth knowledge of the
material culture of selected periods and familiarity with a wide range of primary source
material.
8.2
demonstrate skills in archaeological recording methods, specifically archaeological
description of artefacts including the recording of appropriate physical details.
8.3
show an understanding of a broad range of methods used for the study of artefacts,
including theoretical approaches and quantitative and scientific studies, and to be able to
take a critical approach to studies utilising these methods.
8.4
show familiarity with issues relating to the wider interpretation of artefacts, for instance
presentation of artefacts in a heritage context.
8. 5
demonstrate an ability to gather information, analyse selected source materials by
applying appropriate principles and methods, and communicate interpretations in an
appropriate academic manner.
8.6
work independently and carry out individual research using primary archaeological
evidence.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1
critically evaluate their own views as well as those of others.
9.2
Show a deeper understanding of primary source materials and a facility with more
complex methodologies appropriate to their use.
9.3
take account of different audiences in their presentation of material
9.4
show a significant degree of autonomy in managing their own learning
10. A synopsis of the curriculum
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Centred around weekly practical sessions with artefacts at the Canterbury Museum Education
Resource Centre, this course provides an introduction to Roman and Medieval artefacts. Students
will learn to identify and record Roman and Medieval material at first hand; including coins, pottery
and metalwork, and the accompanying seminars will explore methods for the analysis and
interpretation of artefacts and their contribution to Roman and Medieval studies. Topics will include
the study of hoards, decorative style and meaning, the presentation of artefacts in museum displays,
and the use of artefacts in the construction and communication of identity.
11. Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published
annually)
Allason-Jones, L. (ed.) (2011) Roman artefacts in Britain: their purpose and use, Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge.
Egan G. (1991) Dress accessories c.1150-c.1450, HMSO, London.
Hingley, R. and Willis, S. (2007) Roman Finds: Context and Theory: Proceedings of a Conference
held at the University of Durham, July 2002, Oxbow Books, Oxford.
Mainman, A.J. and Rogers N.S.H. (2000) Craft, Industry and everyday life: Finds from AngloScandinavian York: Volume 17/14. CBA, York.
Orton, C. Tyers, P. & Vince, A. (1993) Pottery in Archaeology, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge.
Reece, R. and James, S. (1986) Identifying Roman Coins, Spink, London.
Webster, P. (1996) Roman Samian Pottery in Britain: practical handbooks in archaeology no. 13.
CBA. York.
Webster & Aldhouse-Green (eds). (2002) Artefacts and Archaeology: aspects of the Celtic and
Roman Worlds. Univ. of Wales Press, Cardiff.
12. Learning and Teaching methods
Total Contact Hours: 30
Independent Study Hours: 270
Total Study Hours: 300
This module will be taught by means of 10 x 2 hour practical handling sessions and 10 x 1 hour
seminars.
Practical handling sessions will use resources at Canterbury Museum. Seminars will address wider
approaches to the interpretation of artefacts, encouraging student participation and critical
evaluation of various methodologies.
13. Assessment methods.
This module is assessed by 20% in-class test, and 80% Coursework, consisting of:

In-class test (20%) 2 hours in length.
Students will be given a selection of museum artefacts and will be required to identify them,
place them within the correct chronological period, and write catalogue descriptions using the
established format taught in the practical classes.


Project (50%) 4,500 words.
Student will select a category of artefacts and develop their project topic in conjunction with
the module convenor. The project provides the opportunity for an in-depth investigation of
one artefact type, collecting and analysing primary data, and writing up the results.
Coursework assignment (30%) 2,000 words.
2
Module Specification Template (September 2015)
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Students will choose from a range of questions that relate to the subject-matter covered in
the campus seminars on artefact interpretation.
14. Map of Module Learning Outcomes (sections 8 & 9) to Learning and Teaching Methods
(section12) and methods of Assessment (section 13)
Module
learning
outcome
Learning/
teaching
method
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Hours
allocated
Private Study
270
x
x
Practical
Handling
20
x
x
Seminar
10
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Assessment
method
In-class Test
x
x
x
Project
x
x
x
Assignment
x
x
x
x
x
x
15. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality
legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary,
including additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for
students who have declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for
students with declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with
the University’s disability/dyslexia student support service, and specialist support will be
provided where needed.
16. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
FACULTIES SUPPORT OFFICE USE ONLY
Revision record – all revisions must be recorded in the grid and full details of the change retained in the
appropriate committee records.
Date approved
Major/minor
revision
Start date of the delivery of
revised version
Section revised
Impacts PLOs( Q6&7 cover
sheet)
01/02/16
Major
September 2015
13
No
3
Module Specification Template (September 2015)