ID2006 Introduction to Archaeology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures - Tues, Thurs (11am); Practicals - Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri (Mornings)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Team Taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This interdisciplinary module offers an introduction to archaeology, providing a grounding in the main concepts, methodologies, and techniques of investigating the past through material evidence and physical environments. Topics will include the identification and ways of investigating archaeological sites and materials, as well as how archaeologists and cultural heritage practitioners disseminate, preserve, and curate the past for professional and public audiences. A key component of this module will be introducing the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject; lectures and seminars will cover topics that demonstrate the application of modern scientific and digital technologies to ancient landscapes and materials; included will be uses of Geophysical Information Systems, Environmental Analyses, Ancient DNA, and the creation and management of databases. Tutorials and workshops will focus on methods and approaches, and the presentation of data and its interpretation.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 lectures (x10 weeks), 4 tutorial (x4 weeks), 4 workshops (x4 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

170

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of this module students will have acquired knowledge of the major trends in archaeology as a discipline, and how these developments reflected wider intellectual movements and the multidisciplinary nature of the discipline.
  • Students will have acquired an understanding of the principal techniques archaeologists and specialists in cognate fields use to identify, analyse, preserve, and disseminate archaeological research and discoveries.
  • Students will be able to recognize how archaeologists and others identify, explain features of social and cultural life.
  • By the end of this module students will have developed the skill to assess the usefulness and reliability of different publication media and become aware of the importance of evaluating source material for writing effective coursework.
  • Students will have engaged in interpersonal communication professionalization through working in small groups in tutorials and workshops.
  • Students will have gained a familiarity with or development of skills in archaeological drawing, survey, and use of GIS software and Photogrammetry software.