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:
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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)
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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.
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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 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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