Aims

There are three phases to the delivery of training in fieldwork and archaeological practice which equate to each stage of the degree programme:
• Stage 1; Induction (introduction to basic concepts, methods, and skills)
• Stage 2; Development (understanding of the range, diversity, and complexity of archaeological practice)
• Stage 3; Advanced (experience of working in professional archaeology)

This module plays an important part in this progression, delivering a level of knowledge and understanding which students can choose to advance yet further in Stage 3 through participation in NCL3007. This module aims to:
1. To provide an understanding of the practices, methods and skills used in fieldwork
2. To describe project management in fieldwork and archaeological practice
3. To develop an understanding of the skills needed to describe and process archaeological finds
4. To explore the relationship between theory and practice in fieldwork and recording
5. To develop an understanding of the organisation of British archaeology and its role in the planning system
6. To outline key issues with the publication of archaeological fieldwork
7. To provide an understanding of the relationship between archaeologists, stakeholders and the public

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is taught in a series of 6 blocks (plus and introductory lecture and a careers fair bringing students into contact with herniate professionals across the region). Each of the main blocks comprises a one–hour lecture and 2 x 2 hr practicals, taught in small groups.

INTRODUCTION

1. FRAMEWORKS/SCALES OF ANALYSIS
2. ARCHIVES/HERITAGE RESOURCES
3. STRATIGRAPHY/MATRICES
4. REMOTE SENSING      
5. GIS                  
6. PHOTOGRAPHY/ILLUSTRATION      

CAREERS in ARCHAEOLOGY FAIR

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1.Lectures build on the student’s previous experience of fieldwork by placing it within the broader context of professional archaeological practice.

2.Lectures and practicals provide students with a greater depth of awareness and understanding of professional archaeological practice.

3.Practicals, taught in small groups, will develop a knowledge and understanding of key field skills and analytical skills

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students draw on the knowledge and skills gained through the module to complete a Desk-Based Assessment (DBA), determining the known and potential heritage assets of a selected landscape. DBAs are regularly carried out by contracting Archaeology units in advance of proposed development, and in undertaking their own study, students will gain valuable insights into ‘real world’ professional archaeological practice. The 1 hour exam will test students’ understanding of key concepts and techniques introduced and practices in the course of the module.

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

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 week 12. 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 week 12. 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 week 12. 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.