ARCH06067 2023 Introduction to Prehistoric Ireland (10,500 BC to AD 400)

General Details

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 - 0731 Architecture & Town Plng
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - 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

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