Themes in Archaeological Theory and Practice (ARCM120)

Staff	Dr Marisa Lazzari - Convenor
Credit Value	15
ECTS Value	7.5
NQF Level	7
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
Duration of Module	Term 2: 11 weeks;

Module aims

To provide knowledge of recent archaeological theory and methods.

To provide you with critical analytical skills to discuss and assess current applications of archaeological theory and method to particular case studies.

To provide you with a first experience with a range of analytical skills applied to archaeological research through the discussion of case studies and ongoing research projects.

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. Develop knowledge and appreciation of theoretical approaches that are required for the specific tasks set in the module
2. Develop knowledge and appreciation of methodological approaches that are required for the specific tasks set in the module

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

3. Demonstrate familiarity with specific skills relating to data and practice in archaeological research
4. Show familiarity with a wide range of theoretical approaches in the discipline, and discern their applicability in a range of contexts

ILO: Personal and key skills

5. Contribute to group discussions in a collaborative environment, either face-to-face or remotely via online platforms
6. Present developed skills in writing and summarising arguments
7. Present developed skills in oral presentations
8. Present advanced critical analytical skills of both specific case studies and broader thematic issues

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

Recent approaches to archaeological theory
Interaction and socio-material networks
Technologies and skill transmission
Interdisciplinary approaches in Archaeology
Spatial analysis
Human-environmental relations
Critical heritage approaches and indigenous archaeologies
Case studies in archaeological research

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching	14	Lecture content, discussion events & exercises (comparable to 7 x 2 hour sessions)
Scheduled learning and teaching	6	Student led-discussion boards (equivalent to 3 x 2 hour seminars)
Scheduled learning and teaching	2	Individual presentations followed by discussion boards
Guided independent study	128	Independent study

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Essay draft plan	1500 words	1-4, 6	Verbal or written feedback
Seminar presentations (verbal, or via pre-recorded PowerPoint, followed by participation in discussion board)	10 minutes, plus discussion board participation	1-5	Verbal or written feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Individual presentation: case study critique (Either verbally or pre-recorded)	20	15 minutes maximum (12-15 slides max, PowerPoint + script submission.	1, 3-4, 6, 8	Mark and written feedback
Essay	80	4000 words	1, 3-4, 6, 8	Mark and 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
Individual presentation: case study critique	Written critique (2000 words)	1, 3-4, 6, 8	Referral/Deferral period
Essay	Essay (4000 words)	1, 3-4, 6, 8	Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

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 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Bentley, A., H. Maschner & C. Chippindale. 2008. Handbook of Archaeological Theories. Altamira Press
David, B. and J Thomas. 2012. Handbook of Landscape Archaeology. Routledge.
Hodder, I. 2012. Archaeological Theory Today. Polity
Johnson, M. 2010. Archaeological Theory: An Introduction (2^nded.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Lydon, J. and U Rizvi. 2010. Handbook of Postcolonial Archaeology. Routledge
Meskell, L. and R. McGuire. 2004. A Companion to Social Archaeology. Blackwell