UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MODULE RECORD

MODULE CODE: FDAP202

CREDITS: 20

LEVEL: 2

MODULE TITLE: EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY

PRE-REQUISITE(S): None

CO-REQUISITE(S): None

COMPENSATABLE WITHIN THIS PROGRAMME:     Yes

SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR

This module explores the potential of Experimental Archaeology as a powerful research method, an educational tool and as a medium for public outreach.

ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT:  (C1) COURSEWORK  80%    (A1)ASSESSMENT   20%

Give Subject Assessment Panel Group to which module should be linked

Minimum pass mark for professional body accreditation

MODULE AIMS:

The module aims to provide the student with an understanding of the theory and practice of Experimental Archaeology, the skills to conduct experiments in a safe and scientific manner, and an appreciation of how the subject can be applied in an educational context.

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

  1. demonstrate  knowledge, critical understanding and theoretical grounding in the scientific use of experiments within archaeological research.
  2. evaluate the utility and characteristics of a range of materials including ceramics, stone, metals and organic materials.
  3. effectively communicate the role of experiments and “reconstructions” in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including education and public outreach.
  4. conduct experiments in the technologies and processes of the past, from the acquisition of raw materials to manufacture, use and discard; and to post-depositional processes.

 

INDICATIVE SYLLABUS CONTENT:

History of experimental archaeology; Applications: the sourcing of raw materials; manufacture of artefacts in stone, clay, metals and organic materials such as bone, wood and skin; decay and taphonomy; pyrotechnology; cooking, brewing and preserving; artefact composition; the archaeological evidence for technological processes; the evidence of mining, ore processing, fuels, smelting and secondary metalworking processes. Reconstruction and re-enactment for education. 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. knowledge, critical understanding and theoretical grounding in the scientific use of experiments within archaeological research.
  2. An ability to evaluate the utility and characteristics of a range of materials including ceramics, stone, metals and organic materials.
  3. Effectively communicating the role of experiments and “reconstructions” in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including education and public outreach.
  4. Experiments they have conducted in the technologies and processes of the past, from the acquisition of raw materials to manufacture, use and discard; and to post-depositional processes.

 

 

Assessment Mode:

1.       Coursework Report (80%)

The student will present a report of an experiment they have conducted: the hypothesis, the theoretical background, an outline methodology, an account of the learning process, presentation and analysis of data; interpretation and conclusions. The student must use scientific principles to critically appraise their own and other people’s arguments. The student may choose how to present the report: for example on a website, as a video recording, a written report or a combination of these.

2.        Conducting an experiment 20%

The student must conduct an experiment witnessed by a member of staff or recorded in video or stills. 

 

Schedule of Teaching and Learning:

This module will be taught through a series of lectures and workshop seminars, in which students will discuss their chosen project for the assessed coursework report.

 

 

Recommended Texts and Sources

 

The recommended texts for the course are:

 

Books

Coles, J. (1973) Archaeology by Experiment London: Hutchinson

Hodges, H. (1995) Artifacts: An Introduction to Early Materials and Technology. London: Duckworth

Reynolds, P. (2003) Experiment  in Archaeology. Stroud: NPI

 

Journals

EUROREA (European Reconstruction and Experiment in Archaeology)

 

Internet

XARC: European network of Open Air Museums and other facilities involved in Experimental Archaeology: http://www.exarc.net/

The Delphi Project http://www.delphi.exarc.net/delphi

Archives of ARCH-EXPERIMENT jiscmail  http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/arch-experiment.html

Experiment, Reconstruction and Education in Archaeology: http://www.exrea.net

Historical Metallurgy Society: http://hist-met.org/

Edinburgh, University of, (2007) Archaeology at Edinburgh Streaming Media [online] http://www.arcl.ed.ac.uk/streaming/index.html

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

 

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