ARCH06042 2013 ZOOARCHAEOLOGY
This module introduces students to the basic principles of zooarchaeology.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explain the basic principles on which zooarchaeology is based.
Demonstrate skills in the basic laboratory techniques used in zooarchaeology including identification of animal bones from various species and from different body parts, assessing the age and sex of animals, and comparative anatomy.
Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from data obtained in the laboratory and/or data presented in problem-solving exercises.
Define the principal methods used in zooarchaeology and identify when these methods would be applicable.
Organise and integrate theoretical and practical concepts presented into an overall view of zooarchaeology and explain the major applications in interpreting archaeological sites and landscapes.
Effectively communicate scientific principles to a peer audience.
Describe case studies of the application of zooarchaeology in interpreting archaeological sites and landscapes.
Module Assessment Strategies
50% of the assessment will be based on practical laboratory skills. 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.
Indicative Syllabus
Anatomy including the composition and growth of bone
Estimating the number, age and sex of animals
Analysing assemblages of animal bone
Disease and injury
Preservation and excavation of bones
Origins, extinctions and introductions of species
Hunting, fishing and domestication
Animals in human society
Animals as a source of raw materials
Animals in religion
Insects in the archaeological record
Molluscs in the archaeological record
Birds and fish in the archaeological record
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lab Practical | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 50 % | OnGoing | 2,3,7 |
2 | Continuous Assessment | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | OnGoing | 1,3,4,5,6,7 |
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 | 1,3,4,5,7 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Science Laboratory | 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
Essential Reading:
Davis, S. (2012) The archaeology of animals. London, Routledge
Klein, R.G. and Cruz-Uribe, K. (1984) The Analysis of Animal Bones from Archeological Sites. Chicago, University of Chicago Press
O'Connor, T. P. (2008) The archaeology of animal bones. Stroud, Sutton
Reitz, E.J. and Wing E. (2004) Zooarchaeology. Cambridge University Press
A more extensive reading list will be provided in the class.
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.