ATS3991 - Archaeological fieldwork in Italy - 2019

12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Arts

Organisational Unit

Centre for Ancient Cultures

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Hilary Gopnik

Coordinator(s)

Dr Jessie Birkett-Rees
Dr Hilary Gopnik

Unit guides

Offered

Prato

  • Term 3 2019 (On-campus block of classes)

Prerequisites

Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units and approval from the unit co-ordinator.

Prohibitions

ATS2991

Notes

Synopsis

The unit introduces students to archaeological fieldwork and excavation through participation on a dig. Students will gain experience in current fieldwork techniques, object recording, analysis and conservation, and will be introduced to the practical skills and interpretation of primary data within its find context. These skills are an essential part of undergraduate training in archaeology. The practical content will be supported by readings and lectures on archaeological methodology, Roman cultural contexts and archaeology in Italy. The unit takes place in Umbria, Italy, at the Roman city of Carsulae, on the Via Flaminia.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

  1. identify and use archaeological fieldwork skills and current excavation techniques;
  2. record and analyse artefacts;
  3. document excavations within a contemporary framework;
  4. assess the site under excavation and analyse its contribution to the wider study of Roman culture;
  5. interpret and apply contemporary archaeological theory, especially as it relates to material culture.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study