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Module

ARA1026 : Introduction to Archaeological Science

  • Offered for Year: 2020/21
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Andrea Dolfini
  • Lecturer: Dr Chloe Duckworth, Dr Eric Tourigny, Dr Alasdair Charles, Dr Lisa-Marie Shillito, Dr Chantal Conneller
  • Teaching Assistant: Dr Francesco Carrer
  • Other Staff: Miss Elenora Montanari
  • Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0

Aims

Archaeological Science is the application of scientific methods to the study of the human past. In the last few decades, a wide range of scientific techniques have been employed by archaeologists to address an array of questions concerning past societies, including chronology, human evolution, climate, the environment, health, diet, technology, mobility, and the exchange of goods. This module will introduce some of the problems that archaeologists can address using scientific methods of enquiry. It will also show how science can be employed to enhance our understanding of the past. Case studies ranging from prehistory to historical times, hands-on laboratory sessions and group seminars will help students familiarise with this fascinating, ever-growing field of archaeology. Given its introductory nature, the module does not require students to have a 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 techniques
- Environmental archaeology and the landscape
- Geoarchaeology and sedimentology
- Zooarchaeology
- Bioarchaeology
- Diet and nutrition
- Mobility and exchange
- Ancient technologies and materials
- Statistics in archaeology
- DNA Research in Archaeology

Teaching Methods

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Assessment Methods

Module leaders are revising this content in light of the Covid 19 restrictions.
Revised and approved detail information will be available by 17 August.

Reading Lists

Timetable