University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 8

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: Lectures - Tues, Thurs (11am); Practicals - Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri (Mornings)

This interdisciplinary module offers an introduction to archaeology, providing a grounding in the main concepts, methodologies, and techniques of investigating the past through material evidence and physical environments. Topics will include the identification and ways of investigating archaeological sites and materials, as well as how archaeologists and cultural heritage practitioners disseminate, preserve, and curate the past for professional and public audiences. A key component of this module will be introducing the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject; lectures and seminars will cover topics that demonstrate the application of modern scientific and digital technologies to ancient landscapes and materials; included will be uses of Geophysical Information Systems, Environmental Analyses, Ancient DNA, and the creation and management of databases. Tutorials and workshops will focus on methods and approaches, and the presentation of data and its interpretation.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 lectures (x10 weeks), 4 tutorial (x4 weeks), 4 workshops (x4 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 30

Guided independent study hours: 170

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr R M Post
Module teaching staff: Team Taught
Module coordinator email rmp26@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• By the end of this module students will have acquired knowledge of the major trends in archaeology as a discipline, and how these developments reflected wider intellectual movements and the multidisciplinary nature of the discipline.
• Students will have acquired an understanding of the principal techniques archaeologists and specialists in cognate fields use to identify, analyse, preserve, and disseminate archaeological research and discoveries.
• Students will be able to recognise how archaeologists and others identify, explain features of social and cultural life.
• By the end of this module students will have developed the skill to assess the usefulness and reliability of different publication media and become aware of the importance of evaluating source material for writing effective coursework.
• Students will have engaged in interpersonal communication professionalization through working in small groups in tutorials and workshops.
• Students will have gained a familiarity with or development of skills in archaeological drawing, survey, and use of GIS software and Photogrammetry software.