ARCH07059 2023 How Archaeology is done: Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Theory
Full Title
How Archaeology is done: Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Theory
Transcript Title
How Archaeology is done
Code
ARCH07059
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ARCH - Archaeology
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2023 - Full Academic Year 2023-24
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Chris Read
Programme Membership
SG_SINTR_S07 202300 Certificate in Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation
Description
Through this module, the student will learn about the technics, methods and technologies archaeologists use to create the archaeological record. Through lectures and directed readings, students will be introduced to vagaries of archaeological interpretation and become familiarised with major theoretical paradigms concerning how we go from the archaeological record to reconstructing human behaviour.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of the archaeological record and its constituent parts
2.
Apply appropriate methods and techniques in case study situations
3.
Identify and differentiate the main theoretical paradigms used in archaeology and those questions that lie outside ethical archaeological enquiry
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered through weekly 2 hour lectures and associated directed reading. Twenty minutes of each class will be devoted to discussion and debate concerning the topics covered. It is anticipated that the moodle chat features will allow students to continue the debates/discussions outside of the classroom. Case studies will be used pull together concepts presented in the lectures and readings. The final project will allow the students to apply some of these learning in their own attempt to interpret a set of archaeological data. Moodle will also be used as a repository for recorded lectures and PDFs of the readings not available in the library.
Module Assessment Strategies
The class test will evaluate the student's grasp of the core concepts pertaining to methodological and theoretical approaches to archaeology. With the final project, students will have the opportunity to offer their interpretation of a set of archaeological data. Moodle will be used extensively, with students encouraged to share insights about the final project with their classmates.
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
Indicative Syllabus
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of the archaeological record and its constituent parts: archaeological record, context, and dating
2. Demonstrate familiarity with concepts of stratigraphic excavation and recording: stratigraphic excavation and recording
3. Identify and differentiate the main theoretical paradigms used in archaeology and those questions that lie outside ethical archaeological enquiry: lectures and readings concerning history of theoretical paradigms
Topics that will be covered include:
Antiquarianism and the History of Archaeology
The Archaeological Record
Primary and Secondary Context
Archaeological Dating
Excavation and Stratigraphy
Archaeological Surveying and Remote Sensing
Ancient DNA
Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
Culture Historical, Processual and Post-Processual approaches
Cultural Anthropology and Ethnographic Analogy
Ethnoarchaeology and Experimental Archaeology
Pseudoarchaeology
Politics, Nationalism and Racism
Case Studies
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class Test | Coursework Assessment | Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test | 50 % | Week 11 | 1 |
| 2 | Interpretation Case Study | Project | Individual Project | 50 % | Week 15 | 1,2,3 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Online | Weekly Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | Offsite Facility | Weekly Reading | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
2002 Archaeological Theory and Scientific Practice
ISBN 0521790603 ISBN-13 9780521790604
2002 Archaeological Theory and Scientific Practice
ISBN 0521790603 ISBN-13 9780521790604
This 2001 book considers the divide between 'scientific' and 'theoretical' archaeology, and suggests that they are not necessarily conflicting.
Required Reading
2022-11-22 Archaeological Theory Routledge
ISBN 1138101230 ISBN-13 9781138101234
2022-11-22 Archaeological Theory Routledge
ISBN 1138101230 ISBN-13 9781138101234
Archaeological Theory: The Basics is an accessible introduction to an indispensable part of what archaeologists do. The book guides the reader to an understanding of what theory is, how it works and the range of theories used in archaeology. The growth of theory and the adoption of theories drawn from both the natural and social sciences have broadened our ability to produce trustworthy knowledge about the past. This book helps readers to see the value of archaeological theory and beyond what is sometimes thought to be just the use of indigestible jargon. Key theories and concepts are introduced to the reader. Among the main questions discussed are the following: What is theory and why do we need it? What major areas of theory are, and have been, used and debated in archaeology? What do they tell us about themes including human society, evolution, culture, identity and agency? How might archaeological theory change in the future? This book is written mainly for readers new to archaeology and will help them to understand archaeological theory. It assumes no prior knowledge of archaeological theory and presents it in a selective and clear way, with case studies showing how theory is used in practice