- Overview
- Module description
Artefacts and Materials (ARC1040)
| Staff | Dr Susan Greaney - |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 15 |
| ECTS Value | 7.5 |
| NQF Level | 4 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Duration of Module | Term 1: 11 weeks; |
Module aims
The module will develop skills in recognising common types of artefacts and principal categories of materials. Artefacts are a category of archaeological evidence that will be encountered in all archaeological and heritage work, and it is important to understand how archaeologists categorise, catalogue and describe them. The module will provide an introduction to manufacturing methods, observational recording and drawing techniques, and point towards resources for researching artefacts. Teaching will be through practical assignments and classes (including hands-on exploration of artefacts), live demonstrations and lectures in a variety of presentation formats.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Recognise key features relating to the properties and different purposes of materials, and the processes of manufacture
- 2. Know appropriate methods for recording, describing and analysing archaeological finds
- 3. Identify artefact types and use appropriate terminology to describe them
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 4. Appreciate the significance of physical materials and traditional technologies in interpreting the past
- 5. Draw observations and interpretations from real objects and groups or assemblage of artefacts
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 6. Assimilate evidence from a combination of physical observation and published resources
- 7. Contribute as an individual within group work
- 8. Produce clear and concise work in a variety of written and presentational formats
Syllabus plan
This module is arranged as a series of themed elements linked to artefact and material categories. Each element will include introductory presentations, supported by physical learning resources practical exercises for individual and group study. Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introduction to artefacts
- Stone artefacts
- Ceramics and clay
- Metals and technological waste
- Organic and composite materials and artefacts
- Perishable materials
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 33 | Lecture content, practical workshops and guided exercises (equivalent to 11 x 3 hour sessions) |
| Guided independent study | 117 | Private study using online learning resources and published sources |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual materials audit | Proforma survey form | 1 | Verbal feedback |
| Artefact collection description | Proforma forma (250 words) on individual artefact pack | 1-5, 8 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 0 | 50 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group written assignment: an illustrated artefact report | 50 | 1500 words per group | All | Written feedback |
| Artefact-based quiz | 50 | Multiple choice questions on up to 15 objects | 13, 5 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group written assignment: an illustrated artefact report | Written assignment: an individual illustrated artefact report (750 words, plus references) | All | Referral/Deferral period |
| Written report | Written report on a small assemblage of objects (digital and/or physical format, 1000 words plus references) | 1-7, 9 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Re-assessment for in-class based test will be coursework.
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Caple, C. (2006) Objects: Reluctant Witnesses to the Past. London: Routledge
- Grant, J. et al. (2015) The Archaeology Coursebook: An Introduction to Themes, Sites, Methods and Skills. London: Taylor and Francis (Chapter 3)
- Hodges, H. (1989) Artifacts: An Introduction to Early Materials and Technology. London: Duckworth
- Hurcombe, L.M., 2007: Archaeological Artefacts as Material Culture. London: Routledge.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
30/06/2014
Last revision date
28/04/2023
Key words search
artefacts, materials, stone, ceramics, organics, metals
