DIGGING ARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION

ARC2DIG

2021

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This hands-on subject provides an introduction to practical archaeological methods and techniques in both the field and the laboratory . Working through a simulated archaeological excavation, students will be introduced to t he methods and techniques of archaeological fieldwork. Working in small groups students will excavate and record simulated sites and their artefacts, sharing their findings with other teams in order to interpret how people lived on these sites in the past. 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, analysing and interpreting material remains. This subject addresses La Trobe's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Essential.

SchoolHumanities and Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorKeir Strickland

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsNo

Available as ElectiveNo

Learning ActivitiesOnline materials, practical activities and tutorial discussion in teams regarding aspects of cultural variability of the material record across time and space, of situations where heritage values conflict, and of heritage legislation and professional codes of ethics, assessed through online quizzes.

Capstone subjectNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Must have completed 60cp and must be admitted in the ABARC, ABA, SZAS, AZAHS, LZCOMA, LWLAT and have completed ARC1THJ or HUS1THJ and ARC1CIV OR require subject coordinator's approval

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsARC1DAR

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Quota Management StrategyN/A

Quota-conditions or rulesN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Minimum credit point requirementN/A

Assumed knowledgeN/A

Career Ready

Career-focusedNo

Work-based learningNo

Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A

Entire subject or partial subjectN/A

Total hours/days requiredN/A

Location of WBL activity (region)N/A

WBL addtional requirementsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Appreciate the range of past societies through the study of their material remains, the range of innovative responses to heritage in the present, and to develop new ideas about solving archaeological problems in the field (as part of a team and the role of archaeology in managing heritage (individually in their significance assessment)

02. Practice independent research skills in changing environments, by transferring discipline-specific skills to the broader field of heritage management, learning to negotiate the complex and fluid relationships between research, conservation, legislation and stakeholder engagement

03. Develop and express an argument clearly, developing and managing new ideas in teams convincingly, and with the use of appropriate methods and evidence

04. Demonstrate an awareness of individual responsibilities as custodians of heritage, and of ways continuing involvement through avocational and professional societies and promote volunteering on projects

05. Engage with peers in effective communication to formulate appropriate responses to various archaeological questions and challenges, providing students with the opportunity to generate new ideas and innovative methods through practical activities and analysis of data

06. Investigate the various material culture correlates that identify various cultural historical groupings providing students with the basic groundwork from which they can develop their ideas and discuss new technological advances in the field

Subject options

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Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment informationN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKeir Strickland

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 36 - 39
Four 6.00 h practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 36 to week 39 and delivered via face-to-face.
Practicals taught in outdoor archaeology teaching area in Weeks 7-10 of the semester

SeminarWeek: 31 - 31
One 1.00 h seminar per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 31 and delivered via face-to-face.
This is a briefing workshop to set-up the subject's unusual structure

SeminarWeek: 42 - 42
One 1.00 h seminar per study period on weekdays during the day from week 42 to week 42 and delivered via face-to-face.
This is a concluding seminar to review the results of the excavations, and the students' experience of the subject.

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 32 - 35
Four 2.50 h unscheduled online class per study period on any day including weekend during the day from week 32 to week 35 and delivered via online.
Online lectures are studied at the students convenience during weeks 2-6 inclusive.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
Fieldwork report (1000-word equivalent) Site report developed by the student to record practical work over a series of tutorials, then written up at the end of the subject.	N/A	Report	Individual	No	25	SILO1, SILO2, SILO4, SILO6, SILO7
Field diary & formal records (2000-word equivalent) Field diary written during practical tutorials in Weeks 7-10	N/A	Other	Individual	No	50	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO6, SILO7
Online quizzes (1000 word equivalent). These follow the unscheduled online classes in Weeks 2-6, inclusive.	N/A	Quizzes	Individual	No	25	SILO1, SILO2, SILO4, SILO7