arc2dig digging archaeology
DIGGING ARCHAEOLOGY
ARC2DIG
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject presents an exploration of the historic and prehistoric past and the subsequent development of archaeological inquiry. Students will acquirefirst-hand experience about the challenges and limitations of archaeological data by excavating a simulated site located on the Bundoora campus. Working in teams students will excavate and record the site and its artefacts, sharing their findings with other teams in order to interpret how the site was formed and what took place there. By using their practical experience students will examine the methods and theories used to generate archaeological knowledge to critically evaluate the way archaeologists go about setting up research projects and collecting, analyzing and interpreting material remains.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorColin Smith
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions This is a new midpoint subject for the Major in Archaeology.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Quest for the Past: Great Discoveries in Archaeology | Preliminary | Fagan, Brian M. | 2ND EDITION, WAVELAND, 1994 |
| Readings | Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice | Recommended | Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn | 6th Edition, Thames and Hudson,Paperback, 2012 |
| Readings | Archaeological Investigation | Prescribed | Martin Carver | Routledge 2009, Taylor and Francis 2013 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Appreciate the range of past societies through studing their material remains, the range of responses to heritage in the present, and the role of archaeology in managing heritage
- Activities:
- Lecture presentation and tutorial discussion in teams of aspects of cultural variability of the material record across time and space, of situation where heritage values conflict, and of heritage legislation and professional codes of ethics, assessed in essay, assignments and exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
02. Carry out independent research by locating relevant sources
- Activities:
- Essay and short assignments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- 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)
03. Demonstrate ability to engage with peers in developing and expressing an argument clearly, developing ideas in teams convincingly, and with the use of appropriate evidence
- Activities:
- Producing short tutorial reports based in simulated excavations, developing strategies and teamwork
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
04. Have an awareness of individual responsibilities as custodians of heritage, and of ways continuing involvement through avocational and professional societies
- Activities:
- Lecture presentation and tutorial discussion of archaeology's place in the community, assessed in essay and exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
06. Individual contributions to the group in formulating a response to various archaeological questions
- Activities:
- In a team, carry out tutorial activities that focus on building appropriate responses to real and hypothetical archaeological case studies
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Ethical behaviour)
07. Investigate the various material culture correlates that identify various cultural historical groupings
- Activities:
- Use of case studies in tutorial activities, essay, short assignments, and exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
08. Write a medium length essay using the Harvard referencing system.
- Activities:
- Short tutorial assignments and 1800 word essay and essay outline with bibliography.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorColin Smith
Class requirements
Lecture/FilmWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture/film per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1800-word essay | 45 | 01, 02, 04, 07, 08 | |
| Three 600-word reports on tutorial excavation simulations | 45 | 01, 03, 06, 07, 08 | |
| One 400-word short assignment | 10 | 02, 07, 08 |