BA Archaeology
Academic Year 2017/18
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
BA Archaeology |
Final Award |
Bachelor of Arts |
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Programme Code |
ARL-BA-S |
UCAS Code |
V402 |
JACS Code |
V400 (DESCR) 100 |
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Criteria for Admissions The general University and School conditions of entry must be satisfied. Entrance requirements for this course are: |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Interview Required |
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Mode of Study |
Part Time |
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Type of Programme |
Single Honours |
Length of Programme |
6 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
360 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Natural and Built Environment |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 6 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Archaeology (2014) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
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REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations None |
Programme Specific Regulations N/A |
Students with protected characteristics No barriers to access or progression |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
• demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the scope and key intellectual issues within the discipline of Archaeology, and in-depth knowledge of selected specialist areas within that discipline
• demonstrate key transferable skills, for example field survey and recording, site sampling, laboratory etiquette and practice, data handling and analytical skills
• demonstrate broad knowledge of and specialist expertise in the archaeology of Ireland from prehistory to the present, complemented by understanding of the global scope of the discipline and specialist knowledge of selected other regions
• show awareness of the varied social, economic and environmental parameters underpinning past cultural change
• display an appreciation of the character and role of archaeological sites and landscapes in the present, including ethical and legal considerations and the relevance of public engagement
• demonstrate qualification in and key skills for lifelong learning and career development, including independent research abilities, team work, written and oral expression
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information; and be familiar with appropriate means of identifying, finding, retrieving, sorting and exchanging information |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Coursework, tutorials, seminars, oral and poster presentations Methods of Assessment Essays, dissertations, independent projects |
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Analyse concepts and ideas, and have the capacity to consider and solve problems, including complex problems to which there is no single solution |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, tutorials, supervised research Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, exams |
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Present well-developed arguments in written and oral form with clarity and fluency |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Coursework, tutorials, seminars, oral and poster presentations Methods of Assessment Essays, reports, oral and poster presentations |
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Select, design and execute a programme of primary research, including data acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and communication under time-managed conditions and within word limits |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Project design, dissertation and independent project Methods of Assessment Essays, dissertations, independent projects |
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Display critical awareness of a range of key terms, concepts, approaches, techniques and debates in archaeological method, theory and practice |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Directed reading, tutorials, seminars, oral and poster presentations Methods of Assessment Coursework assignments, class tests, exams |
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Assess and appraise differing views on significant areas of academic debate |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Directed reading, tutorials, seminars, coursework Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, dissertations, independent projects, exams |
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Exercise critical judgment on the basis of varied and problematic evidence and according to the persuasiveness of the arguments or the reliability of the evidence used |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Coursework, tutorials, seminars, oral and poster presentations Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, dissertations, independent projects, exams |
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Reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive feedback |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Coursework, tutorials and seminars Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework |
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Recognise the importance of explicit referencing and the ethical requirements of study, which requires critical and reflective use of information and information technology in the learning process |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Coursework, tutorials and seminars Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, dissertations, independent projects |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Use electronic media and information technology (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, computer-based mapping, graphing and image processing) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Practicals, provision of online resources Methods of Assessment Practicals, field and lab reports, dissertations, essays, presentations |
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Access library/museum/archive and World Wide Web resources |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Introduction to library services in Induction week, training sessions in use of online resources, practicals Methods of Assessment Appropriate uses of resources expected in all continuous assessment |
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Work effectively and creatively both independently and in a team setting |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Fieldwork, tutorials, seminars, practicals, research design training, one-to-one guidance on dissertation and independent project research Methods of Assessment Report and dissertation writing, essays, presentations, practical assignments |
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Manage time efficiently, work under pressure and to deadlines |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Completion of practicals on time, oral presentations, coursework deadlines Methods of Assessment Practicals, oral presentations, all continuous assessments, dissertation and independent project |
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Take notes and summarise accurately and effectively |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures and tutorials Methods of Assessment Oral presentations, seminar discussions |
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Present ideas and arguments orally in both formal and informal contexts; and the capacity to sustain a reasoned line of argument in the face of others, to listen, engage in sustained debate, and amend views as necessary in the light of evidence of argument |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutorials and seminars Methods of Assessment Oral presentations, seminar discussions |
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Understand the role and use of feedback in assessing and improving performance; and respond constructively to criticism |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dedicated feedback sessions with course tutors Methods of Assessment Written feedback is provided for each type and instance of assessment |
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Reflect on intellectual and professional priorities |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Engagement with Personal Tutors and Careers Liaison Officers Methods of Assessment Not formally assessed, but each student is allocated a Personal Tutor in Level 1 and meets with him/her throughout the duration of the degree programme |
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Demonstrate self-reliance, initiative, adaptability and intercultural awareness |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Erasmus programme and other study-abroad programmes with international universities Methods of Assessment For international exchanges, students enrol on and are assessed through the host institution’s undergraduate programme |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Display knowledge of the nature, relationships, context, development and contemporary practice of Archaeology as a discipline and as a profession |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, field teaching, directed reading Methods of Assessment Exams, coursework, dissertation |
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Display knowledge and critical awareness of primary archaeological sources and their contexts (including landscapes, sites, monuments and artefacts) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals, field teaching, supervised research, directed reading Methods of Assessment Exams, coursework, dissertation |
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Display knowledge, both comparative and specialised, of selected archaeological periods (prehistoric through contemporary), regions (Britain & Ireland, Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, Africa) and research themes (e.g. human evolution, the development of complex societies, cultural change through time and space, human-environment relationships) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, field teaching, directed reading Methods of Assessment Exams, coursework, dissertation |
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Display knowledge of a range of key terms, concepts, approaches, techniques and debates in archaeological method, theory and practice |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals, field teaching, supervised research, directed reading Methods of Assessment Exams, coursework, dissertation |
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Demonstrate an awareness of continuity and change over an extended period of time |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, directed reading Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, exams |
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Appreciate the role of Archaeology in society and the varied ways in which it can be presented to a non-academic audience |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, directed reading Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, dissertation |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate direct experience and competence in a range of core practical and interpretative skills, to an advanced level, involving the recording and analysis of primary archaeological evidence |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, supervised research Methods of Assessment Coursework, dissertation, lab and field notebooks |
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Conduct research on archaeological sites, monuments (e.g. SMR, library, archives) and museum collections |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, field teaching, supervised research Methods of Assessment Coursework, dissertation |
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Demonstrate field skills (e.g. surveying, excavation, site sampling, coring, recording, safety) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, field teaching, supervised research Methods of Assessment Assessed fieldwork, practicals |
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Show an awareness of post-fieldwork requirements (e.g. artefacts and materials research, human and animal bone research, illustration, sampling, data analysis, data presentation) |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, practicals, supervised research Methods of Assessment Coursework, dissertation, lab notebooks |
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Demonstrate an appreciation of the legal policy and ethical frameworks for research and professional practice in Archaeology |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, tutorials, seminars, directed reading Methods of Assessment Coursework |
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Show an awareness of the wider public interest in Archaeology and the public benefit of Archaeology |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, seminars, field teaching Methods of Assessment Coursework |
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Show familiarity with bibliographic convention and the ability to research, reference and present written work according to the requirements of the subject area |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Tutorials, seminars, directed reading Methods of Assessment Essays, coursework, dissertation, individual project |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
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Assessment |
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| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Europe in Prehistory | GAP1008 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
| Barbarians, Vikings and Traders: The Archaeology of Historic Europe | GAP1010 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 30% | 40% | ||
| Ancient Humans and Landscapes | GAP1001 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% | ||
| Environmental Change: past, present and future | GAP1002 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 30% | 70% | 0% | ||
| Introduction To World Archaeology | GAP1013 | 1 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 50% | 50% | 0% | ||
| Archaeological Excavation | GAP1014 | 1 | 20 | YES | 16 weeks | N | YES | 75% | 25% | 0% | ||
| Archaeological Excavation | GAP2039 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 75% | 25% | 0% | ||
| Ireland in Prehistory | GAP2041 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% | ||
| Thinking through Things Theorizing Global Archaeology | GAP2043 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% | ||
| From St Patrick to the Plantation: The Archaeology of Historic Ireland | GAP2045 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 0% | 40% | ||
| Rome: Ancient City, Modern Heritage | GAP2049 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 60% | 40% | 0% | ||
| Palaeoenvironmental Techniques | GAP2051 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Landscapes and Geographical Information (GIS) | GGY2002 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Maps and Mapping - From the Stone Age to the Digital Age | GGY2053 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Archaeology in Practice | GAP2057 | 2 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Archaeology/Palaeoecology Dissertation | GAP3056 | 3 | 40 | YES | YES | 24 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
| Independent Project | GAP3069 | 3 | 20 | YES | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | |
| The Archaeology of Human Evolution | GAP3072 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Volcanoes: environmental and societal impacts | GAP3080 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% | ||
| Palaeolithic Pioneers: Adaptation & Colonization in Global Perspective | GAP3082 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 55% | 45% | 0% | ||
| Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing as Decision Support | GGY3086 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Early Medieval Europe: archaeologies of kingship, religion, and society | GAP3085 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Human Osteoarchaeology: Life and Death in the Past | GAP3086 | 3 | 20 | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | 35% | 35% | 30% | ||
Notes
At each Level/Stage, students are normally required to take 120 credits worth of modules from the list. Exceptionally, 20 credits worth of modules per Level/Stage may be taken from modules other than those listed below, i.e. from modules outside the programme. The total of credits taken per Level/Stage must always be 120. * participation in the four-week field excavation in June (GAP1014/GAP2039) is a compulsory element of the degree programme ** GAP2049 module requires a minimum number of 17 students to run, in order to keep cost for the fieldtrip element at an affordable level *** GAP2039 compulsory if GAP1014 was not taken at Stage 1; not otherwise available **** GAP3069 this module is not a standard option but is provided: (i) to accommodate students on Erasmus placements at L3 and (ii) to provide an alternative to the double-weighted dissertation module (GAP3056) under exceptional circumstances, as advised by supervisor; compulsory if GAP3056 is not taken; not otherwise available