Module Overview

Topics covered will include: locating archaeological sites; methods of archaeological survey; planning and costing field projects and excavation; excavating archaeological sites – general principles; excavating archaeological sites – specific techniques; recording archaeological sites; dating and sampling archaeological sites; post-fieldwork planning post-excavation analysis and research and the publication of fieldwork reports.  Taught through lectures, smaller group practical classes and a fieldwork training course.  The teaching will take place in the second term and culminate in a two-week field training course in Sussex during May/June, where students will undertake a broad range of the archaeological excavation, recording and survey techniques previously discussed in lectures.  Under normal circumstances in the Reading Week of Term 2 all students attend a tour and practical session at the London Archaeological Archive Centre (LAARC).  The main aim of which is to demonstrate to the students the consequences of excavation and collection in terms of end-product analysis, archiving and conservation; storage, the linkage between finds and written/drawing records (electronic or hard copy), and attendant research requirements and opportunities throughout and after the aforementioned stages.  

This first-year Core module runs in Term 2 and provides an introduction to archaeological field methods and techniques.

Topics covered will include:

locating archaeological sites
	methods of archaeological survey
	planning and costing field projects and excavation
	excavating archaeological sites
	general principles; excavating archaeological sites
	specific techniques; recording archaeological sites
	dating and sampling archaeological sites
	post-fieldwork planning post-excavation analysis
	research and the publication of fieldwork reports
This module is only available to those enrolled for undergraduate degrees at the Institute of Archaeology.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to provide students with a broad understanding of archaeological field techniques and methods: it highlights the aims and limitations of these techniques and demonstrates their use in a variety of different archaeological scenarios.  The course will provide taught and practical training in desk-top and field survey techniques; excavation; the uses and application of paper and electronic resources, including archival material, together with mapping and GIS data. .  Students are also taught about the implications and responsibilities arising from invasive excavation techniques, and the necessity for the publication and dissemination of the ensuing results.  The taught course and field course are thoroughly interlinked, in order to provide students with a working example of research-led teaching in a connected curriculum.

 

Learning outcomes

1. To give the students the degree of competency and confidence to enable them to participate in fieldwork, across the globe, and in any time period, whether research or commercial projects.

2. To raise awareness of the methodological issues surrounding archaeological survey and fieldwork.

3. To critically consider the process of designing and managing a project from initial survey to the final publication.

4. Develop the student’s group working skills.

5. Expand and improve basic observation and recording skills.

6. Emphasise and develop the many transferable and key skills that are implicit in the execution of fieldwork and its subsequent, analysis and publication stages.

 

*subject to government and UCL guidance