ARCH43830: Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology

• To enable students to acquire an understanding of tools, skills and methods for effective learning, research and presentation in archaeology.

• Typically the module includes:
• Bibliographic research and resources (libraries, databases, online sources);
• Other research resources (archives, grey literature, maps);
• Compiling and using databases;
• Thinking critically about sources (literature, material and visual);
• Academic writing and conventions;
• Visual presentation, tools and conventions;
• Careers in and outside academia;
• Applying for jobs

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• In depth knowledge and understanding of specific chosen topics relevant to an MA Strand group, including knowledge of relevant materials, literature and scholarly debates and how to interact with them;
• Familiarity with the research tools most relevant to a topic relevant to an MA Strand group, including library and online bibliographic tools, map sets and software;

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability to collect and process reported data using a wide range of resources for archaeologists;
• The ability to use a variety of research tools and sources relevant to archaeology, including literature, maps, archives and digital tools and sources;
• Understanding of academic norms of writing and conventions of referencing in archaeology;
• An ability to conduct independent research in archaeological topics.

Key Skills:

• Employing self-initiative to formulate questions and goals;
• Gathering, organising, analysing data and planning time to reach end goals;
• Use of various research resources, software and IT packages;
• Advanced written, verbal and visual presentation skills.

• Through a combination of weekly lectures and workshops focussing on different resources and skills;
• Through biweekly MA Strand-based group tutorials for discussion of and guidance on various research and theoretical topics relevant to the particular Strand;
• Assessment: two mid-term formative written essay and essay plan/draft of 1000 and 1500 words maximum; two summative assignments from options including written essay and with a written component, of c, 1500 words.

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