UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MODULE RECORD

MODULE CODE: FDAP102

CREDITS: 20

LEVEL: 1

MODULE TITLE: EXCAVATION

PRE-REQUISITES: None

CO-REQUISITES: None

COMPENSATABLE WITHIN THIS PROGRAMME:     Yes

SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR

This module will develop an understanding of the range of intrusive investigative methods that can be used on archaeological sites. These methods include surface artefact collection and excavation.

ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT:  (C1) COURSEWORK   100%

Give Subject Assessment Panel Group to which module should be linked

Minimum pass mark for professional body accreditation

MODULE AIMS:

This module involves making contributions to intrusive archaeological field investigations. It deals with the contributions to preparation for an investigation, the fieldwork and the analysis and presentation of the data.

ASSESSED LEARNING OUTCOMES:  At the end of a module the learner will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts and principles associated with archaeological excavation.
2. evaluate the appropriateness of different excavation strategies to solving specific archaeological problems.
3. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the techniques used to excavate and record an archaeological site
4. an ability to evaluate and interpret the data gathered from an excavation..

INDICATIVE SYLLABUS CONTENT:

• Excavation planning and strategy
• Types of investigation: surface collection; auguring; hand excavation; machine excavation.
• Types of site; geology; sub-surface deposits
• Recording: Context sheets; Harris matrix; Plan and section drawings and photographs
• Health & Safety Policy and Regulations; Codes of practice; Risk Assessment
• Ethics of excavating, recording and storing cultural and human remains

APPROVAL:     DATE OF APPROVAL:     23/05/07                  

DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION:     1/9/2007

DATE(S) OF APPROVED CHANGE:     n/a

FACULTY:

UPC

SCHOOL:

PARTNER INSTITUTION:

City College Plymouth

(For FHSW) NAME OF SITE:

  MODULE LEADER: Win Scutt

Term: All Year

Assessment Criteria (Threshold Level) :

The student should provide evidence that they can:

1.      Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts and principles associated with archaeological excavation.

2.      evaluate the appropriateness of different excavation strategies to solving specific archaeological problems.

3.      demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the techniques used to excavate and record an archaeological site.

4.      evaluate and interpret the data gathered from an excavation.

The module is delivered by means of lectures, simulation, field trips and online tutorials through the College VLE. (The learner is expected to contribute to an excavation under the direction of a qualified archaeologist in the Work-Based Learning module, or at some time in Year 1 or 2)