Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Code | Title |
---|---|
ARA1026 | Introduction to Archaeological Science |
For Archaeology Students (V400, VV14 and VV41) there is a pre-requisite of ARA1026: Introduction to Archaeological Science.
For Geography Students (F800, FH82 and L701) there is a pre-requisite of GEO1020: Introduction to Physical Geography or equivalent.
N/A
To introduce key concepts in the methods and themes of environmental archaeology and how it links with related discplines
To introduce students to practical skills in analysis of environmental proxies and data
To introduce students to the concept of multi-proxy approaches in the reconstruction of past landscapes and lifeways
The natural environment provides the backdrop to human activity, and understanding the relationship between people and their environment is fundamental to understanding the development of societies. How did people interact with the environment and use natural resources? What influence did the environment have on cultural and economic development? This module introduces key themes in environmental archaeology including the origins of domestication and agriculture, the developments and impacts of pyrotechnology, and the links between climate change and human development. It provides an introduction to the major methods of environmental archaeology, including the analysis of microfossils, plant remains and animals bones. We will examine and critique ideas such as environmental determinism and the Anthropocene, and look at the relationship between archaeology and geography. Case studies may be drawn from current research and span a wide range of geographic and temporal scales, from early prehistory to the post-medieval periods.
Knowledge of common techniques in environmental archaeology
Understanding of key themes in environmental archaeology
The ability to use standard identification keys and reference collections to identify common environmental proxies used in archaeology
The ability to present and interpret environmental archaeology data
The ability to relate environmental evidence to wider archaeological questions
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 55 | 1:00 | 55:00 | N/A |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Counts as contact hours. |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 51 | 1:00 | 51:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 3:00 | 33:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Computer cluster sessions |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 26 | 1:00 | 26:00 | N/A |
Total | 200:00 |
The lecture materials provide the background information and overviews of the subject material, intended as a starting point for independent reading and research.
Practical and workshop activities provide training in the application of the methods and how they are used in archaeology.
Structured research and reading activities guide students through key reading and activities to reinforce learning.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 1 | A | 50 | 2000 words |
Report | 1 | A | 50 | Technical report 2000 words |
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Lab exercise | 1 | M | Week 1 Excel exercise Vostok data |
Lab exercise | 1 | M | Pollen analysis 1, 2 & 3 |
Lab exercise | 1 | M | Zooarchaeology exercise |
Lab exercise | 1 | M | Archaeobotanical Fact Finder |
Lab exercise | 1 | M | Coprolites exercise |
An essay will test written communication skills and the ability to relate their knowledge to key themes in environmental archaeology. It will develop key research skills, and skills in reading and writing.
The practical portfolio report will test skills in writing in a technical style, and the ability to recognise and interpret key environmental proxies studied in the course.
Formative assessment through lab exercises approximately every 2 weeks is designed to test skills in presenting and interpreting environmental data in preparation for the practical portfolio report.
Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. Where an exam is present, an alternative form of assessment will be set and where coursework is present, an alternative deadline will be set. Details of the alternative assessment will be provided by the module leader.
N/A
Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2022/23 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 2023/24 entry will be published here in early-April 2023. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.