ARCH06026 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
This module introduces students to the basic principles of environmental archaeology.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explain the basic principles on which environmental archaeology is based.
Define the principal methods used in environmental archaeology and identify when these methods would be applicable.
Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from data obtained in the laboratory and/or data presented in problem-solving exercises.
Organise and integrate theoretical and practical concepts presented into an overall view of environmental archaeology and explain the major applications in interpreting archaeological sites and landscapes.
Effectively communicate scientific principles to a peer audience.
Module Assessment Strategies
50% of the assessment will be based on practical laboratory skills and fieldwork. This will ensure relevance to the world of archaeological consulting and research. The exam is designed to test the ability of the student to retain and to express the information gained during the course, while continuous assessment will provide ongoing opportunities to demonstrate the learning outcomes.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
Sources of environmental evidence - including pollen, wood, seeds, beetles, molluscs, bones, soils, tephra and charcoal
Ecology and ecosystems
Sampling techniques in environmental archaeology
Laboratory techniques for sample processing, identification and analysis
Measuring timescales
Human use of natural resources
Naming species (Taxonomy)
Environmental history of Ireland from the Ice Age to the modern day
Native and introduced species in Ireland
Future climate and environmental change
Archaeological sites as habitats for plants and animals
The effect of time, plants, animals and soil conditions on the preservation of archaeological evidence (Taphonomy)
Fieldtrip to sites relating to the study of environmental archaeology
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Continuous Assessment Lab practical | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 50 % | OnGoing | 2,3,4,6,7 |
2 | Continuous Assessment | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4,5,6,7 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam Written exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 30 % | End of Term | 1,4,5,7 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Science Laboratory | Lecture - Archaeology lab | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Laboratory Practical | Science Laboratory | Archaeology Lab | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Module Resources
Dincauze, D.F. (2000) Environmental Archaeology: Principles And Practice Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Evans J and O'Connor T. (1999) Environmental Archaeology Principles and Methods. Stroud, Sutton
Lowe J.J. and Walker MJC (1997) Reconstructing Quaternary Environments. Harlow, Prentice-Hall
Murphy, E.M. and Whitehouse, N.J. (2007). Environmental Archaeology in Ireland. Oxford, Oxbow
Mitchell, F. and Ryan, M. (1998). Reading the Irish Landscape. Dublin, Townhouse
Roberts, N. (2009) The Holocene: An Environmental History. Oxford, Blackwell
Renfrew, C. and Bahn, P. (2012) Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practise. London, Thames and Hudson
None
Timetable as a 4 hour block in the archaeology lab (theory and practical) to maximise interactive mode of delivery of theory and practical and allow access to reference and replica materials.