ARA3004 : Geoarchaeology: From Soils to Societies (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Mr Justin Holcomb
- Lecturer: Dr Francesco Carrer
- Technician: Dr Eline Van Asperen, Ms Diana Blumberg
- 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
To introduce key concepts in geoarchaeology.
To develop students to practical skills in microscopy.
To introduce students to the use of earth science approaches in the reconstruction of past landscapes and lifeways, and the characterisation of archaeological materials.
Outline Of Syllabus
Geoarchaeology uses the methods and concepts from earth sciences to understand the human past. Sediments and stones are more than ‘dirt’ – they are the raw materials used for the construction of material culture from pottery to lithic tools, to domestic and monumental architecture. The analysis of these materials is fundamental to understanding how people selected and used resources within a landscape. Within an archaeological site, anthropogenic sediments, produced and modified by the actions of people, are part of the material culture record. How did people select and modify sediments in the construction of mudbrick houses, and what can this tell us about social organisation? What can geochemical signals preserved in house floors tell us about the uses of buildings? How do we use geological methods to identify the provenance of artefacts and reconstruct patterns of trade? This module examines the natural and cultural formation processes of the archaeological record, and the properties of soils and sediments that we can measure to give us clues about the past.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 55 | 1:00 | 55:00 | 1/3 guided independent study |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | 1/3 guided independent study |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 3:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | 1/3 guided independent study |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures provide the background information and overviews of the subject material. The practical classes provide training the application of the methods and how they are used in archaeology. The student-led activities provide group working and presentation skills, and the opportunity for in-depth discussion on ‘controversies’, making students think critically about geoarchaeological evidence and how it is used. Students will think critically about the importance of understanding context and taphonomy in the process of archaeological interpretation.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral Presentation | 10 | 2 | M | 10 | 500-1000 words |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 2 | M | 30 | 1000 words |
Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 60 | Lab report 2000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
An essay will test written communication skills and the ability to relate their knowledge to key themes in geoarchaeology. It will develop key research skills, and skills in reading and writing.
The practical report will test skills in writing in a technical style, and the ability to provide a basic interpretation of an archaeological thin section.
The presentation will be based on the lab report and will be 10% of the report mark. This will test the students’ ability to give an oral presentation and explain their study to an audience of peers.
Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.
This module can be made available to Erasmus students only with the agreement of the Head of Subject and of the Module Leader. This option must be discussed in person at the beginning of your exchange period. No restrictions apply to study-abroad, exchange and Loyola students.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA3004's Timetable