UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MODULE RECORD

MODULE CODE: FDAP201

CREDITS: 20

LEVEL: 2

MODULE TITLE: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE

PRE-REQUISITE(S): None

CO-REQUISITE(S): None

COMPENSATABLE WITHIN THIS PROGRAMME:     Yes

SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR

This module will include scientific approaches and techniques for dating and materials analysis, with assessment of scientific reports, field assessment and some theoretical considerations.

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:

  • to further develop knowledge of the importance of science to the discipline
  • to provide an opportunity for students to receive a sound understanding of the scientific applications encountered in modern archaeology
  • to provide a sufficient insight into these topics to enable students to communicate with scientific specialists
  • to enable students to interpret critically the findings of scientific specialists through the medium of their own reports
  • to build on the scientific concepts and skills introduced in the previous modules

ASSESSED LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

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

1.       further advance their understanding of scientific methods used in collecting, analysing, and interpreting archaeological data

2.       critically appraise their own and other people’s arguments

3.       select and apply appropriate scientific principles and concepts to archaeological problems from specialist scientific investigations

4.       understand the causes of variation in the reliability of different classes of evidence from archaeological contexts (such as: taphonomy; cultural and non-cultural transformations; depositional processes; and recovery procedures)

INDICATIVE SYLLABUS CONTENT:

The science behind archaeology and quaternary studies will be drawn together from previous work on the programme and further developed.  This will include: Dating, especially Radio-Carbon, Dendrochronology & Thermoluminescence; Materials Analysis; Conservation Applications; Environmental Archaeology, especially soil science, botanical & faunal evidence; Climatic Modelling & Interpretation; Ethics, Health & Safety.

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 be able to provide evidence of:

1.       greater understanding of scientific methods used in collecting, analysing, and interpreting archaeological data

2.       an ability to critically appraise their own and other people’s arguments

3.       an ability to select and apply appropriate scientific principles and concepts to archaeological problems from specialist scientific investigations

4.     an understanding of the causes of variation in the reliability of different classes of evidence from archaeological contexts (such as: taphonomy; cultural and non-cultural transformations; depositional processes; and recovery procedures)

 

 

Assessment Mode:

Worksheet (50%)

1) The worksheet will test the students’ basic understanding of scientific methods used in the collection, analysis and interpretation of archaeological data

2)  The worksheet will require students to marshal and critically appraise their own and other people’s arguments.

In-class test (50%)

1)  The in-class test will require students to critically appraise the arguments presented by others

2) Questions posed will require students to draw down scientific principles and concepts to critically evaluate specialist scientific investigations

3)  The questions will  involve  an understanding of the causes of variation in the reliability of different classes of evidence from archaeological contexts

 

Schedule of Teaching and Learning:

This module will be taught through a series of lectures and seminar discussions, in which students will work on their chosen topics for the assessed presentation.

 

 

Recommended Texts and Sources

 

The recommended texts for the course are:

Baillie, M.G.L. (1995)  A Slice Through Time.  London: Routledge

Brothwell D. & Pollard, A.M. (eds.) (2005) Handbook of Archaeological Sciences.  London: Wiley

Cronyn, J.M. (1990) The Elements of Archaeological Conservation.  London: Routledge

Davis, S.J.M. (1987) The Archaeology of Animals.  London: Routledge

Hausenbuiller, R.L. (1985) Soil Science.  Third Edition. Iowa: Wm. C. Brown

Moore, P. D, Webb, J.A. & Collinson, M.E. (1991) Pollen Analysis.  2nd ed Oxford: Blackwell,

O'Connor, T. & Evans, J.G. (1999) Environmental Archaeology: principles and methods.  Stroud: Sutton

Orton, C. (2000) Sampling in Archaeology.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Pollard A.M. & Heron, C. (1996) Archaeological Chemistry.  London: Royal Society of Chemistry

Renfrew, A.C. & Bahn, P. (2004) Archaeology: theories, methods and practice. 4th ed. London: Thames & Hudson

Retallack, G.J. (2001) Soils of the Past: An introduction to Paleopedology. Oxford: Blackwell

Stirland, A. (1999) Human Bones in Archaeology.  Princes Risborough: Shire

 

Internet

Archaeology Data Service http://ads.ahds.ac.uk

 

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