Survey at Hagar Qim, Malta
Excavation at Rough Island,
Strangford Lough
ARP1001 - Introduction to Archaeology
Module Content:
This module introduces the discipline of Archaeology. As a non-school subject, we do not expect you to know very much about it but we want you to engage swiftly with the many different approaches that scholars take in examining the past, so you begin to understand the discipline and its many current facets. Archaeology is about ideas and theories, fieldwork and methods, cultures and objects, analysis and scientific explanation. It focuses on the development of human society in different times and places, but employs methods and approaches that have universal application. The subject has been developing for centuries, but its methods are often cutting edge and have engaged different sciences in its quest for understanding. Equally important are issues of “why” the past still matters to modern societies, along with other perpetual question that addresses the operation of the heritage, conservation, museums and the environment.
We explore a number of archaeological themes, including Discovery, Dating, Ancient Societies, the excavation and study of Archaeological Sites and Landscapes and the application of Archaeological Science. A Fieldtrip to the National Museum in Dublin introduces you to material cultures and the study of objects and their interpretation. Collectively, with the other modules available in Level 1, this module gives you an essential grounding in what Archaeology is and how it operates. It forms the foundations for archaeological and other related studies.
The module is structured into 6 subject areas:
1. Ancient places - Survey and Excavation
2. Discovery
3. Dating the past
4. Ancient societies
5. Science of the past
6. Archaeology for People
Objectives:
This course introduces the main concepts of archaeology as a discipline and the many methodologies used to explore and interpret the past. It provides a core foundation to archaeological study at levels 2 and 3. Through illustrated lectures and discussion, students will become familiar with the terms and approaches current in archaeology, and learn how these have developed and are applied to a variety of past sites and peoples. Core Study Skills for archaeology are integrated within the course material enabling students to access resources, and deal with research, writing and presentation.
Lecturers :
Dr. Caroline Malone (Course coordinator) with Dr Brandherm, Dr Donnelly, Dr Gardner, Dr Hunt, Prof Mallory, Dr McCormick, Dr Murphy, Dr Reimer and Dr Whitehouse.
Study Skills are taught by Paula Moran, Tim Crawford and Angela McQuade.
Teaching Methods
The course is taught through a combination of Lectures, Tutorials, Study Skills Seminars and Fieldtrips.
- Semester Paper – 2000-3000 words required 30%
- Tutorials and Portfolio – including all tasks and exercises set in Tutorials and Study Skills and the Museum Questionnaire. 40%
- Exam – this will involve a multiple choice exam and written essay/short questions. 30%
Skills taught
The course aims to develop the following areas of knowledge and skill:
- An awareness of the range of disciplinary areas within Archaeology
- An understanding of how Archaeology has grown and developed as a discipline and current key issues in Archaeological research
- An understanding of the applications of Archaeological methods and scientific analysis
- An understanding of different types of societies and their Archaeologies
- A broad knowledge of Archaeological materials, ancient technologies and the approaches used to explore and study them.
- Core study skills for Archaeology
- Current issues in world Archaeology
Transferable Skills
- Critical thinking, written and oral expression
- Time management and self directed learning
- The ability to write structured academic style essays presenting clear unbiased arguments
- Ability to cite references and create bibliographies
- The ability to undertake library-based research making full use of bibliographic sources
- Critical analysis of competing hypotheses of text and other media
- Critical synthesis of diverse information
- Observational skills and recording
