Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides an advanced introduction to recording and interpreting historic buildings. You
will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge needed to help you record and understand
the development and use of historic structures. The module comprises lectures and practical
sessions taught both in the field and the computer lab which cover basic techniques, total station
survey, photography, laser scanning, image rectification and building interpretation.

The aim of this module is to provide an advanced introduction to surveying and interpreting historic
buildings.

All lectures and computer lab session will be delivered in person. Fieldwork will be located within Newcastle so that transport to and from site will not be necessary.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction: Desk-based assessment and integrating different sources
2. Basic techniques for building recording
3. Introduction to total station survey and photography
4. Introduction to photogrammetry for building recording
5. Introduction to Laser scanning and Structured Light Scanning
6. Interpreting elevations and plans

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge of suitable techniques for surveying historic structures
A critical awareness of the different ways to interpret historic structures

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to critically evaluate sources relating to historic buildings
Ability to apply standing building recording methods
Ability to undertake personal and collaborative research in the field and computer lab
Ability to interpret historic buildings and relate interpretation to the archaeological record
Ability to write a well-constructed report

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce the principles and methods of standing building survey and interpretation. The field and lab sessions make students practice these techniques and apply them to real-life case-studies.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The analysis of a current professional level standing building report in the formative assessment will enable the students to develop a critical understanding of the mechanisms and processes of compiling such a report. This will provide a sound methodology for the collection and preparation of materials during the fieldwork and computer workshop phases of the course. It will also provide then with ideas for a framework within which they can create a standing building report of professional quality for the summative assignment.

The report should include an analysis of the fabric and development of the building and should be illustrated with phased plans derived from on-site drawings. The report should consider how building recording and analysis can contribute to an understanding of the wider context of standing buildings.

The report evaluates understanding of the principles and methods of historic building analysis, application of these analytical techniques to a research problem, and ability to write an analytical report

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.

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree.

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. This will take the form of an alternative assessment, as outlined in the formats below:

Modules assessed by Coursework and Exam:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be one essay in addition to the other coursework assessment (the length of the essay should be adjusted in order to comply with the assessment tariff); to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of the final week of semester 1 teaching. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Exam only:
The normal alternative form of assessment for all semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be two 2,000 word written exercises; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of the final week of semester 1 teaching. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.

Modules assessed by Coursework only:
All semester 1 non-EU study abroad students will be expected to complete the standard assessment for the module; to be submitted no later than 12pm Friday of the final week of semester 1 teaching. The essays should be set so as to assure coverage of the course content to date.
Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending the whole academic year or semester 2 are required to complete the standard assessment as set out in the MOF under all circumstances.

General Notes

N/A