arc4pra practical archaeology
PRACTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
ARC4PRA
2016
Credit points: 30
Subject outline
Students focus on the techniques of field archaeology and concentrate on acquiring skills used in the survey and recording of archaeological sites and landscapes. Approaches to site excavation are also considered and assessed. Students will be introduced to a range of methods including tape and compass, Total Station and global positioning systems. Emphasis is placed on the building of interpretive links between teamwork, theory and fieldwork.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points30
Subject Co-ordinatorRichard Cosgrove
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be enrolled in one of the following courses: AHAR - Bachelor of Archaeology Honours or AHA - Bachelor of Arts Honours or AGPA - Graduate Diploma in Professional Archaeology or AMPA - Master of Professional Archaeology
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects ARC5PRA
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Must be specializing in Archaeology.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The archaeologist's field handbook | Prescribed | Burke, H. and Smith, C. | ALLEN AND UNWIN 2004 |
| Readings | Archaeology in practice: a student guide to archaeological analyses | Recommended | Balme, J. and Paterson, A. | BLACKWELL 2006 |
| Readings | The archaeological laboratory:the analysis of archaeological data. | Recommended | Banning, E.B. | KLUWER ACADEMIC 2000. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Develop a self-conscious critique of fieldwork strategies, recording, self and others
- Activities:
- Draw a site plan, contours and mapping of cultural features to include a draw a cross section showing the topography of the area, create a contour map and plot cultural features within the area. 1,000-word map exercise 30%
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
02. Develop effective team work skills through clear communication, organisation of tasks and responsibilities
- Activities:
- Carry out ground surveys in a team and organise logistics, equipment and direct team members to carry out specific tasks to accomplished the aims. 1,000-word map exercise 30%
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. Understand how research programs are designed and developed
- Activities:
- The task is to use survey transects to discover archaeological sites and to discuss their relationship to landforms. 1,000-word survey exercise 30%
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
04. Write up a major report on the survey of archaeological material and its spatial distribution
- Activities:
- 2,000-word research essay 40%
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Off Campus
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorRichard Cosgrove
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 31 - 31
One 8.0 hours block mode per day on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 31 and delivered via face-to-face.
"One 3-hour seminar in the first week of semester and one 10-day off campus field school"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 1,500-word survey report | 30 | 02 | |
| one 2,500-word essay | 40 | 04 | |
| one mapping exercise (1,500-word equivalent) | 30 | 01, 03 |