To provide practical instruction in the principles, methods and application of qualitative and quantitative assessment of archaeological artefacts.

2 hour lecture per week x 10 weeks.

None

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2000 word) - 30%

■ Report Critique (1000 words) - 30%

■ Artefact assessment exercise (1500 words) - 40%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the report critique, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to artefact assessment, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ To provide practical instruction in the principles, methods and application of qualitative and quantitative assessment of archaeological artefacts.
In particular:

■ To introduce students to the processes of archaeological artefact analysis from excavation through post-excavation studies to final museum curation and display

■ To encourage an appreciation of the role and contribution of the archaeological finds specialist

■ To introduce the principles of and skills in archaeological artefact identification and recording and an awareness of the potential contribution of various analytical techniques

■ To develop an appreciation of the manufacturing processes and their analysis for various artefact classes

■ To develop an appreciation of the contemporary challenges in the conservation, display and presentation of artefacts

By the end of this course, students will be able to:-

- Identify the potential of different types of methodological approaches and their relevance to different classes of archaeological artefacts

- Communicate the salient issues of researching archaeological assemblages and an understanding of the various stages of analysis

- Construct critical understandings of the wider theoretical themes in current archaeological artefact studies

- Communicate the processes of artefact manufacture and their chronological and cultural significance

- Undertake the organisational and interpersonal skills to identify and investigate archaeological assemblages and assess their potential