ARCH06037 2019 Archaeological Surveying
The module will introduce and develop an understanding of archaeological field techniques and surveying with students being introduced to the principles of archaeological survey and the application of those principles in practice through the use of basic survey techniques using traditional methods of tapes and offsets. Drawing sections and plans on excavations, and developing an ability to identify and interpret archaeological field monuments are other facets of the course. Students will also get an introduction to electronic and GPS survey equipment..
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Demonstrate the ability to draw scaled plans, sections and profiles of archaeological monuments and features.
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the use and application of surveying equipment
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full time. This will include lectures, class and field practicals, augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Many of the field practicals involve teamwork and co-operation.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 100% Continuous Assessment.
This is broken down into practical on-going assessments making up 50% of the overall mark where students complete six drawing exercises to scale.
40% of the overall grade is from individual field notebooks the students keep, principally containing two map and plan drawing exercises.
10% of the overall grade is from two class tests.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
Topics for this module include an examination of why we carry out archaeological survey and of integrated archaeological field work. Students are introduced to the National Monument Service monument description sheet and how to complete it and other record sheets, as well as understanding and using maps. Practical on-campus field work includes plotting grid layouts and feature mapping to scale. Students also learn about co-ordinate systems and measurement of height ; using the Engineer's Level and drawing plans, profiles and sections to scale.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Practical drawing exercises | Continuous Assessment | Assessment | 50 % | OnGoing | 2,3,6 |
2 | Field note book | Continuous Assessment | Assessment | 40 % | Week 13 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
3 | Class tests | Continuous Assessment | Assignment | 10 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Practical | Not Specified | Survey work | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Group Learning | Science Laboratory | Lectures and group work - archaeology lab | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
1984 Surveying for Archaeologists
ISBN 0900926503 ISBN-13 9780900926501

1990-06 Archaeological Site Manual (Me-prac) Museum of London
ISBN 0904818403 ISBN-13 9780904818406
Module Resources
Further literature to be provided by the lecturer.
RCAHMS 2011 Practical guide to recordingarchaeological sites - https://www.scotlandsruralpast.org.uk/images/pdfs/SRP%20Manual%20single%20page.pdf
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/what-we-do/survey-and-recording/archaeology-field-survey/#overview_tab
http://www.bajr.org/BAJRread/BAJRGuides.asp
None
Much of this surveying module is conducted outside on campus grounds. It is essential students have sensible weatherproof clothing (layers are useful) and footwear.