ARA2098 : Understanding Historic Landscapes: from the Early Middle Ages to the 21st Century

  • Module Leader(s): Dr Sam Turner
  • Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

Aims

The historic landscape of Britain has developed over many centuries. This module will enable students to understand and interpret the historic landscape. We will study the sources, methods and techniques that are available to landscape archaeologists and historians from OS maps and place-names to GIS and integrated landscape survey. We will relate examples to key themes in medieval and post-medieval landscape history to gain an understanding of the forces that have shaped the landscapes we live and work in today.

This module aims to:
• Provide an understanding of the sources, methods and techniques used in the analysis of the historic landscape.
• Provide an awareness of key themes relating to the origins and development of British landscapes in the medieval and post-medieval periods.

Outline Of Syllabus

Intended as a guide only; week-by-week topics may be somewhat different, but most or all of the following will be covered:
Introduction and background to landscape archaeology and history.
Sources: field archaeology.
Sources: maps and historical documents.
Sources: place-names and field-names.
Key Themes: Regionality and the character of local landscapes.
Key Themes: Central places, landholding and estates
Key Themes: managing historic landscapes
Key Themes: TOwns and villages
Landscape resources: fields
Landscape resources: water and meadows
Landscape resources: woodland
Landscape resources: rough ground
Landscape resources: industry
Data analysis: integrating sources and using GIS
Data analysis: retrogressive analysis.
Data analysis: Historic Landscape Character Analysis.
Practical GIS sessions

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Academic Staff Contact Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion661:0066:000:0040% of guided independent studies
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture171:0017:0016:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading661:0066:000:0040% of guided independent studies
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical11:001:008:00Robinson Library
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical12:002:000:00Trip to Durham University Special Collections
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical32:006:000:00Computer Sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching61:006:009:00Seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork15:005:002:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery11:001:001:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study301:0030:000:0020% of guided independent studies
Total200:0036:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures to provide basic information on sources, methods, techniques, and key themes.
Seminars to provide knowledge of period-related issues through specific case study examples.
Practicals provide introduction to GIS and hands-on use of maps and air photographs.
Private study to provide in-depth understanding through background reading and preparation of assessments.

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M401500-word essay
Case study2M602500-word landscape case study
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Oral Presentation2MOne group seminar presentation and one individual project presentation
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Essay will assess ability to analyse landscape archaeological data critically and published interpretations relating to key themes in British landscape history.
Case study will assess ability to analyse a historic landscape using methods and techniques taught through lectures and seminars.

ERASMUS students at Newcastle have the option of writing one 3,000 word essay to be handed in by 12.00 p.m. of the Friday of the first week of the assessment period. This will replace all assessment work required of domestic students. If they wish to take up this option, they need to discuss it with the module leader. It remains the case that, if an ERASMUS student wishes to do the same assessment as the domestic students, that option remains open to them. No variation of the deadlines will be allowed except on production of medical or equivalent evidence.

Study Abroad students (i.e. non-EU exchange students) are required to complete the normal assessment under all circumstances.

Reading Lists

Timetable

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.