APPROACHES TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH
ARC3AAR
2017
Credit points: 30
Subject outline
In this subject students are introduced to the fundamental principles of archaeological research and how research programs are designed and developed. 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. This subject is designed for students wishing to make a career in archaeology and is a prerequisite for those wishing to enrol in Archaeology Honours
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 30
Subject Co-ordinator: Susan Lawrence
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: This subject is only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Archaeology or with subject coordinator's approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Core subject at third-year level in the ABAR - Bachelor of Archaeology.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Archaeological Investigation | Prescribed | Carver, M.O.H | ROUTLEDGE, 2009 |
| Readings | Archaeology in Practice | Prescribed | Balme, J. & A. Paterson | BLACKWELL PUB., MALDEN, MA 2007 |
| Readings | The Archaeologist's Laboratory: the Analysis of Archaeological Data, | Recommended | BANNING, E.B. | KLUWER ACADEMIC / PLENUM PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK, NY. 2000 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Communicating with other team members and supervising staff about strategies for excavation and recording in the TARDIS
- Activities:
- Oral presentation of on-going excavation strategies to weekly workshops
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
02. Develop a self-conscious critique of field and laboratory strategies, recording, self and others
- Activities:
- 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:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
03. Develop effective team work skills through clear communication, organisation of tasks and responsibilities
- Activities:
- Develop a research strategy to the excavation of pre-selected squares in the TARDIS resource and write up as a report
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
04. Develop project management through allocation of time and funding
- Activities:
- Teams are allocated blocks of time and money to a range of project options, covering the fieldwork, post-excavation and publication stages of the archaeological process
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
05. Understand how research programs are designed and developed
- 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
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
06. Understand the basic technology and concepts in archaeological research
- Activities:
- Class exercises, practical work, on-line quiz
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
07. Write a major report on excavation and analysis of archaeological materials that are grounded in primary data
- Activities:
- Keep a detailed field note book that describes, tracks & evaluates daily activities on an archaeological excavation and artefact analysis
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Susan Lawrence
Class requirements
Lecture/PracticalWeek: 36 - 37
Five 8.0 hours lecture/practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 36 to week 37 and delivered via blended.
"The subject will be taught intensively Thursday-Friday in Week 36 (31 Aug-1 Sept) and Wednesday-Friday in Week 37 (6-8 Sept)."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field notebook (2000-word equivalent) | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Research design (2,500-word equivalent) | 40 | 05, 06, 07 | |
| Site report (3,500-word equivalent) | 40 | 04, 06, 07 |