ARCH06070 2023 Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 2
The aim of this module is to provide practical experience of closing an archaeological excavation and of post-excavation skills. The module runs weekly online through the Spring semester, and then for one week on-site at the end of the semester.
Note that a co/prerequisite for this module is that the student is also registered for, or has already successfully completed, the module “Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 1”.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Differentiate soil horizons and stratigraphic contexts and express these in both matrix and written formats
Demonstrate an awareness of the component parts of the post excavation process and the roles played by various specialists.
Demonstrate an ability to carry out a variety of post-excavation related tasks
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered as a blended module online and in person. Online will include lectures, discussions and online activities, which will be augmented by independent learning. The real-life emphasis will be on developing practical post-excavation skills. This will follow on from the online learning. During the practical sessions relevant techniques as outlined in the indicative syllabus will be explained and demonstrated by staff and then undertaken by students. The strategy will include introductory lectures, assignments and hands-on processing of artefacts, ecofacts, and samples in the laboratory. It will also include some aspects of excavation and recording. Students will be inducted in Health and Safety. This approach is expected to address student learning needs.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 100% continuous assessment. Students will be assessed in a number of key areas including post-excavation processing techniques, recording, and work ethic. Students maintain a logbook throughout the course, which is assessed at end of semester.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
The particular site and/or nature of the archaeology will vary from year to year, however the following activities and techniques are likely to be included:
Differentiate soil horizons and stratigraphic contexts and express these in both matrix and written formats
- devise stratigraphic matrices
Demonstrate an awareness of the component parts of the post excavation process and the roles played by various specialists.
- prepare material for creation of the final excavation report; and ultimately work towards bringing an excavation to full publication and the preparation of the archive for final deposition in the National Museum of Ireland.
Demonstrate an ability to carry out a variety of post-excavation related tasks
- close a site after excavation
- illustrate and photograph artefacts and ecofacts
- wash and process artefacts and ecofacts in the laboratory
- process soil samples
- prepare artefacts and ecofacts for specialist analysis, including radiocarbon dating
- catalogue artefacts and ecofacts
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Logbook | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | End of Semester | 2,3 |
2 | Performance evaluation | Practical | Skills Evaluation | 50 % | End of Semester | 1,3 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Practical / Laboratory | Science Laboratory | Excavation and post-excavation - Real-life practical learning on the archaeological site/in the lab | 37.5 | Once Per Semester | 2.50 |
Lecture | Online | Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Module Resources
This module is primarily based around practical work, however various manuals and guides will be distributed during the online and practical sessions.
This module is primarily based around practical work, however various manuals and guides will be distributed during the online and practical sessions