University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in Honours Ancient History & Archaeology or Honours Medieval History & Archaeology

Planned timetable: To be arranged

This module, which draws on archaeological material from around the world, is divided into two sections. The first is a series of seminars and lectures on the central practical concerns of archaeology: the way in which the type of excavation affects the resulting evidence; methods of studying sites and artefacts; how to publish archaeological material, and the importance of conservation. This will give a general grounding to enable students to understand archaeological reports, and to apply this understanding to other parts of the Honours degree. The second part will address the important contribution of theoretical archaeology to the discipline, while also elucidating the practical applications and relevance of theory. There is no particular concentration on any one historical period and material is chosen rather to illustrate a broad range of methods and issues.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 2 modules from {AN2002, AN2003, CL2003, CL2004} or ( pass ME2003 and pass at least 1 module from {AN2003, HI2001, MH2002, MO2008} )

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1-hour induction session in Orientation Week then 1 lecture and 1 x 2-hour seminar per week.

Scheduled learning hours: 31

Guided independent study hours: 269

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

Re-assessment: New coursework of equivalent weight to a 3-hour Honours exam (2 essays or one long essay)

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Team Taught

Intended learning outcomes

• Engage effectively with archaeological theories and methodologies
• Integrate a variety of evidence into archaeological and historical arguments
• Construct and articulate a coherent oral presentation with critical use of evidence
• Process and convey archaeological information in written form with a keen awareness of diverse audiences (e.g. members of the public, grant committees, etc)
• Analyse and critically evaluate published archaeological research