ARCH06049 2017 Archaeological Field Studies

Apply basic archaeological fieldwork techniques.

Demonstrate awareness of key recording techniques and attempt their application.

Differentiate soil horizons and stratigraphic contexts.

Comply with best practice in site excavation techniques and the treatment of recovered artefacts.

Demonstrate ability to take instruction and work in groups.

Demonstrate understanding and compliance with site based health and safety regulations.

The purpose of this module is to replicate as closely as possible, training and experience in the core skills associated with archaeological excavation. This module will comprise 100% practical learning and will involve detailed instruction coupled with practical exercises to both introduce and hone skills and techniques. All practical exercises will be written up by students within a log book that will be submitted and assessed at the end of the module.

70% of the module's marks will be awarded for the completion of practical exercises associated with each the 5 day's topics and the 5 day mock excavation. 30% of the module's marks will be awarded for the content and presentation of the logbook.

Unsubmitted or failed logbooks can be resubmitted. Missing over 30% of the practical exercises will result in a need to repeat the missed/failed practical elements.

Day 1 ‑ Site Planning: Ground Plans, Sections and Profiles. This will include setting up for plans, use of planning frame, offsets, different scales, taking levels, drawing standards and conventions, trouble shooting.

Day 2 ‑ Field Trip to an ongoing excavation. 

Day 3 ‑ Site photography. Including setting up, use of ranging rods, photo boards, feature photography, trench/cutting photography, light and shadows. 

Day 4 ‑ On Site Health and Safety/Manual Handling. This day will cover health and safety issues associated directly with archaeological excavation in a number of different environments which can be taught in association with  the provision of a Safe Pass course. Practical exercises relating to manual handling, including lifting, digging and using wheelbarrows.  

Day 5 ‑ First Aid for Finds. Techniques and principles relating to the recovery of archaeological finds, samples and other materials from archaeological contexts, including handling, bagging, labelling, storage and transport.

Mock excavation (5 Days). Run over five consecutive days at the end of the Semester 2, this small excavation will take place on campus. While the excavation may not include any archaeological deposits, students will gain valuable experience in excavation techniques and recording. This will include laying out cuttings, desodding, excavation by trowel, shovel and mattock, sieving soil, finds recovery, identification of features and soil horizons, feature recording and further opportunities to put into practice planning, photography and on site health and safety.