ARA1026 : Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Professor Andrea Dolfini
- Lecturer: Professor Lisa-Marie Shillito, Dr Chloe Duckworth, Dr Eline Van Asperen, Dr Eric Tourigny, Professor Chantal Conneller, Dr Francesco Carrer, Ms Diana Blumberg
- Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
Archaeological Science (AS) is the application of scientific methods to the study of the human past. In the last few decades, archaeologists have deployed a wide range of scientific methods to research problems including human evolution, chronology, climate, the environment, health, diet, technology, mobility, the manufacture and exchange of goods, and many, many more. The module introduces some of the main problems that archaeologists address using scientific methods of enquiry, as well as the methods themselves. It also shows how scientific and non-scientific methods of enquiry can work together to enhance our understanding of the past. Case studies ranging from prehistory to historical times, small group lab practicals, and tutorials will help you familiarise with this fast-growing branch of archaeology. Given its introductory nature, the module does not require any scientific background knowledge.
The aims of the module are:
• To introduce the principal scientific methods used today in archaeology (except field methods)
• To enable students to place archaeological science within the wider field of archaeology
• To foster an understanding of science as an essential tool for addressing social problems in archaeology
• To encourage students to develop an area of interest in specific aspects of archaeological science
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics may include:
- Chronology and dating methods
- Environmental archaeology: plants and people
- Geoarchaeology and sedimentology
- Zooarchaeology
- Bioarchaeology
- Biomolecular archaeology
- Mobility and exchange studies
- Ancient technologies and materials science
- Statistical applications to archaeology
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | PIP lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 7 | 2:00 | 14:00 | PIP 2h lab practicals |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | PIP 1h lab practicals |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Weekly reading, revision quizzes and other supplementary learning material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | PIP assignment preparation tutorials and surgeries |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 75 | 1:00 | 75:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
- Lectures provide an introduction to the archaeological problems and scientific methods discussed through the module.
- 1h and 2h laboratory practicals provide hands-on opportunities to learn and practice the scientific methods introduced in the lectures.
- Workshops (tutorials) provide assignment preparation support and structured Q&A time.
- Structured guided learning including weekly reading, videos, and revision quizzes provide further Canvas-based learning opportunities to students.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 50 | Dating methods essay (1800 words) |
| Essay | 2 | A | 50 | Essay on other topics covered by the module (1800 words) |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | Weekly Canvas revision quizzes |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
- Essay #1 evaluates students' understanding of traditional and scientific dating methods as well as their ability to discuss them critically.
- Essay #2 evaluates students' knowledge and understanding of all other main subjects and scientific methods covered by the module.
- The formative Canvas quizzes provide weekly opportunities to revise the topics introduced and practised in the classroom/lab.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA1026's Timetable