Specialist Research Topic in Archaeology

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Distinguish the variable qualities of data drawn from different subject domains (e.g. text, material culture, geoarchaeological)
• Identify patterns in archaeological datasets
• Produce a report/paper suitable for presentation in academic or commercial context

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Work successfully in a group
• Give presentations to a group and respond to feedback
• Manage a project from start to finish

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Recognise the suitability of different theoretical positions with regard to the questions you are addressing
• Synthesise different types of evidence and consider ways in which they can be integrated
• Identify an archaeological research problem and select methods appropriate to answer it.
• Describe the process through which data sets are audited and managed.

This module adopts a problem orientated approach to education and has three clear elements. One: in the first sessions you will be introduced to the research problem to be addressed. Two: These meetings explore methods appropriate to the topic. Three: Students will carry out and write up a piece of research addressing the core topic.

The exact nature of how the above plays out will depend on the topics selected each year and, crucially, student input into how the problems might be addressed.

This module adopts a deliberately different approach to that used in most archaeology modules. The research problem provides the centre point, with small group teaching used to explore potential ways of casting light on it. As such, seminars and lab sessions will provide the core of contact hours.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Abstract and Presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Feedback will be given to the group in the presentation session.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Oral presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Oral feedback will be given by the module lead. This will allow for help to be given in a timely manner
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.