arc5arm archaeological research methods

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS

ARC5ARM

2016

Credit points: 30

Subject outline

In this subject students develop expertise in the fundamental principles of archaeological research and how research programs are designed and implemented. Particular attention is given to practical and technical issues. This involves following through the many decisions involved in designing archaeological projects from initial research design to publication, including the choice of particular field strategies, methods of recording and documentation, and the preparation of reports. It includes a practical excavation component at the Melbourne campus.

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points30

Subject Co-ordinatorSusan Lawrence

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Enrolment in the Masters of Professional Archaeology or the Subject Coordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ARC3AAR

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditions Core subject in the Masters of Professional Archaeology.

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsArchaeological InvestigationPrescribedCarver, M.O.HROUTLEDGE, 2009
ReadingsArchaeology in PracticePrescribedBalme, J. & A. PatersonBLACKWELL PUB., MALDEN, MA 2007
ReadingsThe Archaeologist's Field HandbookRecommendedSmith, H. and H. BurkeAllen and Unwin

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Communicate with other team members and stakeholders about strategies for excavation and recording of an archaeological site

Activities:
Oral presentation of on-going excavation strategies to weekly workshops, Keep a detailed field note book that describes, tracks & evaluates daily activities on an archaeological excavation and artefact analysis
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Demonstrate effective team work skills through clear communication, organisation of tasks and responsibilities and critical self-reflection on your own role in the team.

Activities:
Present a written critical evaluation in the form of a report on the activities of the team as well as one's own performance
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of archaeological excavation and reporting.

Activities:
Develop and manage an evolving research strategy for the excavation of pre-selected squares in the TARDIS resource. Demonstrate these skills through the preparation of a research design and in the maintenance of site records.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)

04. Demonstrate project management skills through allocation of time and funding

Activities:
Develop a research proposal including budget for the fieldwork, post-excavation and publication stages of an archaeological project.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

05. Write a major report on excavation and analysis of archaeological materials that is grounded in primary data.

Activities:
Write a detailed excavation report on the work carried out in the TARDIS and in other contexts. These will include the explicit descriptions of methods and approaches to that work

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSusan Lawrence

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Field notebook (1,900-word equivalent)2501, 02, 03
Grant application (800-word equivalent)1003, 04
On-line quiz (300-word equivalent)503
Research design (2,500-word equivalent)3001, 03, 04
Site report (2,500-word equivalent)3001, 02, 03, 04, 05