ARA8294 : Graduate Seminar in Post-Medieval Artefacts (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jane Webster
- Lecturer: Dr Rob Collins
- 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 | |
Aims
The aim of this course is to provide students with an advanced knowledge of artefact evaluation. The module focuses on the artefacts most commonly recovered from sites in post-medieval Britain and the former British colonies (1600-present). Through weekly lectures, the module will explore the production and consumption of these artefacts in the past, and interpretational issues in the present. The practical classes will use examples (replica and excavated) to outline the techniques used to identify, quantify and evaluate post-medieval artefacts.
Outline Of Syllabus
This is a typical outline and may be subject to change:
3 hours per week – 1 hour lecture, 2 hour practical
Week 1
Intro
Week 2
Earthenwares
Week 3
Porcelain (both imported and made in UK)
Week 4
Bottle and vessel glass
Week 5
Ivory and bone
Week 76
Coins (and the PAS)
Week 7
Metal artefacts (and the PAS)
Week 8
Tobacco pipes and other smoking equipment
Week 9
Guns and gunflints (with knapping)
Week 10 J
Plastics
Week 11
20th/21st century ‘super’ artefacts
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 85 | 1:00 | 85:00 | 50% of guided independent study |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | 25% of guided independent study |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Individual tutorials with project supervisor |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | 25% of guided independent study |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Through weekly lectures, the module will explore the production and consumption of artefacts in the post-medieval past, and interpretational issues in the present. The practical classes will use examples (replica and excavated) to outline the techniques used to identify, quantify and evaluate post-medieval artefacts.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab exercise | 60 | 2 | A | 20 | Artefact recognition test |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 80 | 3000 word project |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
• In the practical exam, students will be expected to identify and comment on 10 artefacts, testing the breadth of knowledge gained across the module. The student is also required to produce written work focusing on one of the artefact categories explored in the module. In agreement with the module leader, students may design their analysis however they choose. For example: an artefact study on porcelain could comprise:
• A report on the porcelain from an unpublished (small) excavation
• An essay on the history of porcelain production in the UK
• An analysis, using excavation reports and museum collections, determining how much Longton Hall porcelain (which was produced only from 1749-60) survives today
• A study of the range and quantity of Chinese export porcelain recovered through fieldwork at Williamsburg, using the Colonial Williamsburg online collection and archaeology reports
The study is to include illustrative material. This written exercise enables students to develop greater expertise in one artefact area, in a way that best suits their skills and interests. The written exercise thus tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, and develops key skills in research, reading and writing.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA8294's Timetable