arc3aar approaches to arc research

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

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points30

Subject Co-ordinatorSusan Lawrence

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites This subject is only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Archaeology or with subject coordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditions Core subject at third-year level in the ABAR - Bachelor of 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 Laboratory: the Analysis of Archaeological Data,RecommendedBANNING, 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)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSusan 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 elementComments%ILO*
Field notebook (2000-word equivalent)2001, 02, 03, 04, 05
Research design (2,500-word equivalent)4005, 06, 07
Site report (3,500-word equivalent)4004, 06, 07