Module Catalogue 2024/25

ARA3004 : Geoarchaeology: From Soils to Societies (Inactive)

ARA3004 : Geoarchaeology: From Soils to Societies (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Mr Justin Holcomb
  • Lecturer: Dr Francesco Carrer
  • Technician: Dr Eline Van Asperen, Ms Diana Blumberg
  • Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

For Archaeology Students (V400, VV14 and VV41) there is a pre-requisite of ARA2004: Animals, Plants and People: an Introduction to Environmental Archaeology.

For Geography Students (F800, FH82 and L701) there is a pre-requisite of ARA2004: Animals, Plants and People: an Introduction to Environmental Archaeology or GEO2106: Earth Surface Processes.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce key concepts in geoarchaeology.
To develop students to practical skills in microscopy.
To introduce students to the use of earth science approaches in the reconstruction of past landscapes and lifeways, and the characterisation of archaeological materials.

Outline Of Syllabus

Geoarchaeology uses the methods and concepts from earth sciences to understand the human past. Sediments and stones are more than ‘dirt’ – they are the raw materials used for the construction of material culture from pottery to lithic tools, to domestic and monumental architecture. The analysis of these materials is fundamental to understanding how people selected and used resources within a landscape. Within an archaeological site, anthropogenic sediments, produced and modified by the actions of people, are part of the material culture record. How did people select and modify sediments in the construction of mudbrick houses, and what can this tell us about social organisation? What can geochemical signals preserved in house floors tell us about the uses of buildings? How do we use geological methods to identify the provenance of artefacts and reconstruct patterns of trade? This module examines the natural and cultural formation processes of the archaeological record, and the properties of soils and sediments that we can measure to give us clues about the past.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A knowledge of a range of techniques in geoarchaeology
An understanding of key themes in geoarchaeology

Intended Skill Outcomes

An ability to use polarising microscopes
The ability to interpret geoarchaeological data
The ability to relate geoarchaeological evidence to wider archaeological questions
The ability to critique archaeological interpretations

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture22:004:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture51:005:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion551:0055:001/3 guided independent study
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical103:0030:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading501:0050:001/3 guided independent study
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching32:006:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study501:0050:001/3 guided independent study
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures provide the background information and overviews of the subject material. The practical classes provide training the application of the methods and how they are used in archaeology. The student-led activities provide group working and presentation skills, and the opportunity for in-depth discussion on ‘controversies’, making students think critically about geoarchaeological evidence and how it is used. Students will think critically about the importance of understanding context and taphonomy in the process of archaeological interpretation.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Presentation102M10500-1000 words
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M301000 words
Practical/lab report2M60Lab report 2000 words
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An essay will test written communication skills and the ability to relate their knowledge to key themes in geoarchaeology. It will develop key research skills, and skills in reading and writing.
The practical report will test skills in writing in a technical style, and the ability to provide a basic interpretation of an archaeological thin section.

The presentation will be based on the lab report and will be 10% of the report mark. This will test the students’ ability to give an oral presentation and explain their study to an audience of peers.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

This module can be made available to Erasmus students only with the agreement of the Head of Subject and of the Module Leader. This option must be discussed in person at the beginning of your exchange period. No restrictions apply to study-abroad, exchange and Loyola students.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.