ARCH07031 2019 Archaeological Materials and Artefacts
Full Title
Archaeological Materials and Artefacts
Transcript Title
Archaeological Materials and A
Code
ARCH07031
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ARCH - Archaeology
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Frances Lucy, Noel Connaughton, Shirley Markley, Ana Vale, Fiona Beglane
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_J07 201900 Level 7 Add-on Award in Applied Archaeology
Description
This course is intended to introduce the student to the study of the science of materials and artefacts. There is an emphasis on physical form, chemical and physical structure and properties as an aid in explaining the provenance, composition and processing of archaeological materials and artefacts.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Explain how the atomic and microscopic structures determine the properties and processing of a broad spectrum of organic, inorganic and metallic archaeological materials.
2.
Understand, describe and illustrate the sourcing and preparation of raw materials and the manufacturing technologies employed in the production of a broad spectrum of organic, inorganic and metallic archaeological artefacts.
3.
Describe, compare and evaluate research that has used scientific methods to answer archaeological questions, problems and contexts
4.
Demonstrate an understanding of the various methods of describing and characterising artefacts and materials
5.
Effectively communicate aspects of materials and technologies to a peer audience.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures, presentations, a fieldtrip and laboratory practicals augmented by independent learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 60% Continuous Assessment. 40% of the assessment will be based on practical laboratory and fieldtrip skills. These will ensure relevance to the world of archaeological consulting and research. 20% of the assessment will be in the form of a presentation mid-semester, which will develop the student's ability to communicate technical information.40% of the assessment will be based on the exam, which is designed to test the ability of the student to retain and to express the information gained during the course.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam
Indicative Syllabus
Explain how the atomic and microscopic structures determine the properties and processing of a broad spectrum of organic, inorganic and metallic archaeological materials.
- Material structures and properties
Understand, describe and illustrate the sourcing and preparation of raw materials and the manufacturing technologies employed in the production of a broad spectrum of organic, inorganic and metallic archaeological artefacts.
- Artefact lifecycle: Acquisition, manufacture, use and discard
- Fieldtrip
Describe, compare and evaluate research that has used scientific methods to answer archaeological questions, problems and contexts
- Case studies
- Presentation
Artefact lifecycle: Acquisition, manufacture, use and discard
- Laboratory practical
Demonstrate an understanding of the various methods of describing and characterising artefacts and materials
- Laboratory practical
Effectively communicate aspects of materials and technologies to a peer audience.
- Presentation
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
60 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
40 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous Assessment Log Book | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 40 % | OnGoing | 2,3,4,5 |
| 2 | Continuous Assessment | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam Written Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 40 % | End of Term | 1,2,3 |
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 | Practical - Archaeology Lab and fieldtrip | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
2008-04-22 Archaeological Chemistry: RSC (Rsc Paperbacks) Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN 9780854042623 ISBN-13 9780854042623
2008-04-22 Archaeological Chemistry: RSC (Rsc Paperbacks) Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN 9780854042623 ISBN-13 9780854042623
Recommended Reading
2007-01-18 Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology) Cambridge University Press
ISBN 052165209X ISBN-13 9780521652094
2007-01-18 Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology) Cambridge University Press
ISBN 052165209X ISBN-13 9780521652094
Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology This 2007 book introduces the basic concepts of chemistry behind scientific analytical techniques and reviews their application to archaeology. Full description
Recommended Reading
2016-10-18 Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn Routledge
ISBN 1138818003 ISBN-13 9781138818002
2016-10-18 Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn Routledge
ISBN 1138818003 ISBN-13 9781138818002
Recommended Reading
1998-03-01 Traces of the Past: Unraveling the Secrets of Archaeology Through Chemistry (Helix Books) Perseus Books
ISBN 0201409283 ISBN-13 9780201409284
1998-03-01 Traces of the Past: Unraveling the Secrets of Archaeology Through Chemistry (Helix Books) Perseus Books
ISBN 0201409283 ISBN-13 9780201409284
Recommended Reading
1995-01-26 Artifacts (Introduction to Early Materials and Technology) Bristol Classical Press
1995-01-26 Artifacts (Introduction to Early Materials and Technology) Bristol Classical Press
Recommended Reading
1995-06-01 Early Metal Mining and Production Smithsonian Books
ISBN 1560985356 ISBN-13 9781560985358
1995-06-01 Early Metal Mining and Production Smithsonian Books
ISBN 1560985356 ISBN-13 9781560985358
Recommended Reading
2015-07-09 Pottery Analysis, Second Edition: A Sourcebook University of Chicago Press
ISBN 0226923215 ISBN-13 9780226923215
2015-07-09 Pottery Analysis, Second Edition: A Sourcebook University of Chicago Press
ISBN 0226923215 ISBN-13 9780226923215
Just as a single pot starts with a lump of clay, the study of a piece's history must start with an understanding of its raw materials. This principle is the foundation of Pottery Analysis, the acclaimed sourcebook that has become the indispensable guide for archaeologists and anthropologists worldwide. This new edition fully incorporates more than two decades of growth and diversification in the fields of archaeological and ethnographic study of pottery. It begins with a summary of the origins and history of pottery in different parts of the world, then examines the raw materials of pottery and their physical and chemical properties. It addresses ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological perspectives on pottery production; reviews the methods of studying pottery's physical, mechanical, thermal, mineralogical, and chemical properties; and discusses how proper analysis of artifacts can reveal insights into their culture of origin.
Recommended Reading
2000-06-12 Analytical Archaeology (Chemical Analysis: A Series of Monographs on Analytical Chemistry and Its A ... pplications) John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 047129361X ISBN-13 9780471293613
2000-06-12 Analytical Archaeology (Chemical Analysis: A Series of Monographs on Analytical Chemistry and Its A ... pplications) John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 047129361X ISBN-13 9780471293613
Recommended Reading
1992-05-14 Science For Conservators: Volume 1: An Introduction to Materials: Introduction to Materials Vol 1 (Heritage: Care-Preservation-Management) Routledge
ISBN 0415071674 ISBN-13 9780415071673
1992-05-14 Science For Conservators: Volume 1: An Introduction to Materials: Introduction to Materials Vol 1 (Heritage: Care-Preservation-Management) Routledge
ISBN 0415071674 ISBN-13 9780415071673
For more than ten years, the Science for Conservators Series have been the key basic texts for conservators throughout the world. Scientific concepts are basic to the conservation of artefacts of every type, yet many conservators have little or no scientific training. These introductory volumes provide non-scientists with the essential theoretical backgound to their work. The prime reason for the books' continuing success is that they clarify often complex ideas, without distortion or over-simplification. They are essential basic textbooks for all conservators in training, and as such are in use throughout the world. Now part of the Heritage: Care-Preservation-Management handbook programme, these volumes in the series have now been provided with carefully selected bibliographies and reading lists, to bring the student into contact with the most recent work in the field. Further volumes are in preparation.
Recommended Reading
2004-08-27 Understanding Materials Science: History, Properties, Applications, Second Edition Springer
ISBN 0387209395 ISBN-13 9780387209395
2004-08-27 Understanding Materials Science: History, Properties, Applications, Second Edition Springer
ISBN 0387209395 ISBN-13 9780387209395
Recommended Reading
2013-12-04 Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction Wiley
ISBN 1118324579 ISBN-13 9781118324578
2013-12-04 Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction Wiley
ISBN 1118324579 ISBN-13 9781118324578
Title: Materials Science and Engineering( An Introduction) <>Binding: Hardcover <>Author: WilliamD.,Jr.Callister <>Publisher: JohnWiley&Sons
Module Resources
Journal Resources
Antiquity
Journal of Archaeological Science
Archaeometry
Science
URL Resources
http://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199935413.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199935413-e-8
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/history-heritage/museology-conservation/preservation-conservation/tools-resources.html
https://www.archaeologists.net/sites/default/files/CIfAS&GFinds_1.pdf
https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/archaeological-science/materials-science-and-industrial-processes/
https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/archaeological-science/archaeological-conservation/
Other Resources
None
Additional Information
Timetable as a 3 hour block in the archaeology lab (theory and practical) to maximise interactive mode of delivery of theory and practical, to allow access to replica artefacts and to allow variation in the proportion of each to meet the overall whole.