ARA1026 : Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Andrea Dolfini
- Lecturer: Dr Lisa-Marie Shillito, Dr Chloe Duckworth, Dr Eline Van Asperen, Dr Eric Tourigny, Dr Francesco Carrer
- 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 decades, archaeologists have deployed a wide range of scientific methods to address issues of human evolution, chronology, climate, the environment, health, diet, technology, mobility, the manufacture and exchange of goods, and many, many more. The module will introduce some of the main problems that archaeologists can address using scientific methods of enquiry. It will also show how traditional and scientific methods can work together to enhance our understanding of the past. Case studies ranging from prehistory to historical times, virtual practicals, and group seminars and tutorials will help you familiarise with this fast-growing branch of archaeology. Given its introductory nature, the module does not require any background in science.
The aims of the module are:
• To introduce the principal scientific methods used today in archaeology
• 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
Lecture topics may include:
- Chronology and dating methods
- Environmental archaeology
- Geoarchaeology and sedimentology
- Zooarchaeology
- Bioarchaeology
- Biomolecular archaeology
- Mobility and exchange studies
- Ancient technologies and materials science
- Statistics in archaeology
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 16 | 1:00 | 16:00 | Contact recapped lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | PiP 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 | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | PiP introduction, assessment tutorials and module recap sessions |
| 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 questions and methods discussed through the module.
Laboratory practicals provide hands-on opportunity to learn scientific methods and their archaeological applications.
Workshops provide support for assignments (tutorials) plus module introduction and recap.
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 (1750 words) |
| Essay | 2 | A | 50 | Essay on other topics covered by the module (1750 words) |
Formative Assessments
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 2 | M | Weekly Canvas revision quizzes |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Essay #1 evaluates the ability to understand scientific dating methods and to discuss them critically while Essay #2 evaluates knowledge and understanding of all other main subjects and scientific methods covered by the module. The formative Canvas quizzes provide opportunities to revise the topics introduced weekly.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA1026's Timetable