ARCH06067 2023 Introduction to Prehistoric Ireland (10,500 BC to AD 400)
Full Title
Introduction to Prehistoric Ireland (10,500 BC to AD 400)
Transcript Title
Intro to Prehistoric Ireland
Code
ARCH06067
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ARCH - Archaeology
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2023 - Full Academic Year 2023-24
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Marion Dowd
Programme Membership
SG_SINTR_S06 202300 Certificate in Introduction to Irish Archaeology
Description
This module explores the prehistoric archaeology of the island of Ireland from the earliest hunter-gatherers who arrived at the end of the Ice Age about 12,500 years ago, up to the advent of Christianity in AD 400. Evidence for the earliest human presence in Ireland during the Upper Palaeolithic will be explored, followed by an examination of the hunter-gatherer communities that inhabited Ireland during the Mesolithic period (8000-4000 BC). The arrival of the first farmers heralded the Neolithic period (4000 - 2400 BC), best known for the magnificent megalithic tombs constructed. The arrival of metallurgy in the Bronze Age (2400 - 800 BC) led to the development of hierarchies and increased contact with Europe. The final prehistoric period, the Iron Age (800 BC - AD 400), saw the emerge of royal centres and contact with so-called Celtic communities in mainland Europe.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Demonstrate knowledge of the key periods, dates, chronology and artefacts relevant to prehistoric Ireland.
2.
Describe the settlement patterns and economy for each of the prehistoric periods from the Mesolithic to the Iron Age.
3.
Outline the nature of the funerary and ritual practices of each prehistoric period.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered by online learning.
Power Point lectures will contain illustrations and text.
Class notes will be made available (as a PDF) prior to each lecture that summarise key points of lectures.
Each lecture session will allow time for student queries and discussion.
Lectures will be recorded with recordings made available on Moodle immediately after each class.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module will be exmained by Continuous Assessment.
At Week 6, there will be an on-line mid-term assessment comprising 20 short questions.
At Week 13 there will be an on-line mid-term assessment comprising 20 short questions.
Assessments will be designed to minimise opportunities for plagiarism and for inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence. Where appropriate, suitable detection software will be used.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat continuous assessment and/or final exam.
Indicative Syllabus
Demonstrate knowledge of the key periods, dates and chronology relevant to prehistoric Ireland.
- Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age dates
- Sequence of prehistoric periods
Describe the settlement patterns, economy and artefacts for each of the prehistoric periods from the Mesolithic to the Iron Age.
- Nature of house types for each period
- Nature of topographical locations of settlements
Outline the nature of the funerary and ritual practices of each prehistoric period.
- Forms of funerary practise
- Types of funerary monuments
- Changes and continuity in funerary forms
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short questions | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | Week 6 | 1,2,3 |
| 2 | Short questions | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | Week 13 | 1,2,3 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Not Specified | Online lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Self-directed learning | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Required Reading
2023-04-30 Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland
ISBN 1913934780 ISBN-13 9781913934781
2023-04-30 Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland
ISBN 1913934780 ISBN-13 9781913934781
This book provides a chronological account of this timespan and, with numerous illustrations, charts the development of the first hunting and foraging communities, the achievements of the agriculturalists with their remarkable megalithic tombs, and the technological advances of the later bronze and iron using societies.
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Updated Literary Resources
Journal Resources
The Journal of Irish Archaeology
Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy
URL Resources
www.archaeology.ie
www.excavations.ie
Other Resources
Archaeology Ireland - quarterly magazine
Additional Information