- Overview
- Module description
Funerary Osteoarchaeology (ARCM412)
| Staff | Dr Catriona Mckenzie - Convenor |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 15 |
| ECTS Value | 7.5 |
| NQF Level | 7 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | ARC3611 cannot be taken at the same time as this module. |
| Duration of Module | Term 2: 11 weeks; |
Module aims
This module will outline the complex and variable funerary treatments of the dead in past societies through a mixed educational package. The sessions trace chronological development from the early Prehistory through to the Late- and/or Post-Medieval period.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Demonstrate an appreciation for the diversity of funerary behaviour and its use in reconstructing the social organisation of past societies
- 2. Accurately use terms used to describe the skeleton and that apply to spatial patterning of funerary contexts
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 3. Apply a biocultural approach to the study of funerary osteoarchaeology
- 4. Demonstrate an understanding of how the funerary record can be integrated within archaeological discourse
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 5. Critically evaluate information drawn from a variety of sources
- 6. Demonstrate proficiency in written presentation skills
Syllabus plan
The content of the module may vary from year to year. The module will start with an introduction to theoretical approaches to osteoarchaeology. The classes will then focus on different time periods starting from the early evidence of burial practices in Prehistory and ending with the Late- and/or Post-Medieval period.
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 | 22 | Educational package sessions (11 x 2 hours) |
| Guided independent study | 128 | Independent library-based study; essay topic and presentation chosen by you |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 60 | 2500 words | 1-6 | Oral and written feedback |
| Individual Presentation | 40 | 10 minute presentation | 1-6 | Oral 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay (2500 words) | Essay (2500 words) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Presentation | Presentation with script (max 1500 words) | 1-6 | 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%.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11472
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
2011
Last revision date
11/03/2023
Key words search
Archaeology, Osteology, Funerary, Burial
