ARCH06054 2019 Post-excavation analysis
Full Title
Post-excavation analysis
Transcript Title
Post-excavation analysis
Code
ARCH06054
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
ARCH - Archaeology
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Marion Dowd
Programme Membership
SG_SAPPL_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology
SG_SAPPL_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Applied Archaeology
SG_SAPPL_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Archaeology
Description
This is a practical lab-based module focusing on the successful completion of the post excavation management and analysis of material from the training excavation (and/or other archaeological sites excavated by staff members). The student learns through first-hand experience the range of duties awaiting an archaeologist on completion of an excavation. The student will work on devising stratigraphic matrices; washing and processing artefacts and ecofacts; cataloguing artefacts and ecofacts; sieving soil samples; preparation of material for creation of final excavation report; and ultimately work towards bringing an excavation to full publication and the preparation of the archive for final deposition in the National Museum of Ireland.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Demonstrate an awareness of the component parts of the post excavation process.
2.
Express stratigraphic relationships in both matrix and written formats.
3.
Interpret startigraphic relationships.
4.
Design a post-excavation programme for a particular excavation.
5.
Demonstrate knowledge of the roles to be played by various specialists in post-excavation analysis.
6.
Carry out a number of post-excavation related tasks.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full-time.
It will include lectures and laboratory practicals, as well as hands-on processing of ecofacts, artefacts and samples.
This approach is expected to fulfil student learning needs.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 100% continuous assessment.
A stratigraphy exercise will examine the understanding or site formation and stratigraphy. Each student will work independently or as part of a team to compile a section of the interim report, and an appendix or catalogue entry for that report, - to be decided based on the results of the previous season's excavation. Students maintain a logbook throughout the semester to note topics explored and their input; this is assessed at end of semester.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment.
Module Dependencies
Prerequisites
ARCH06025 201900 Field school
None
Co-requisites
None
Incompatibles
None
Indicative Syllabus
The practical components of the module will vary from year to year based upon the material we have to work with. However the following topics will be covered in some detail with extra time spent on developing a students stratigraphic skills
Post-excavation design and project management; stratigraphic matrices; sampling; illustration and photography of artefacts and ecofacts; preparing material for specialist analysis; cataloguing ecofacts and artefacts; preparation of samples for radiocarbon dating; assessing the data to develop site interpretation; preparation of Interim Excavation Report (for the NMS and NMI); preparation of material for eee.excavations.ie entry; preparation of data for publication; preparation of archive for final deposition in the NMI.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stratigraphy exercise | Continuous Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | Week 4 | 2,3,4,5 |
| 2 | Interim report section | Continuous Assessment | Essay | 40 % | Week 8 | 2,3,4,5 |
| 3 | Appendix/catalogue exercise | Continuous Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | Week 10 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| 4 | Personal logbook | Continuous Assessment | Assessment | 20 % | Week 12 | 1,2,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Learning | Flat Classroom | Group Learning | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Laboratory Practical | Science Laboratory | Lab Practical | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Readings will vary from year to year, mainly published excavation reports.
Journal Resources
MOLAs journal
URL Resources
Other Resources
Listings will be provided in the class.
Additional Information
This module requires being timetabled in a 3 hour weekly block to maximise the integration of theory and practical components.