ARCH1017: ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS: SOURCES, APPROACHES AND METHODS*

• None

• Must be taken alongside Introduction to Archaeological Methods (Term 1) (ARCH1047)

• Scientific Methods in Archaeology 1 (ARCH1027) and Historical Archaeology: Methods and Sources (ARCH1037).

• * All modules marked with this symbol form part of an Accredited CIfA pathway
• To provide students with a grounding in a range of methods and techniques used in the archaeology of ancient civilisations, and to develop a basic critical awareness of the potential and limitations of each.
• To provide a core module for students on the BA Ancient Civilisations and Archaeology (VQ48) degree.

• Using case studies, this module introduces a number of key methods and approaches for the archaeology of Ancient Civilisations including:
• Using ancient textual sources and their apparatus
• Interpreting art, iconography and monuments
• Assessing architecture and built enviornments

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module students will have gained:
• knowledge of some key sources and case studies used to study ancient civilisations including ancient texts, ancient art and architecture and how they relate to one another.
• basic knowledge of fundamental themes and issues in the study of imagery, monumental, textual and material culture.
• an awareness of how to select, propose and agree appropriate methods for analysis and interpretation.
• an awareness of relevant archaeological ethics, technical standards and investigation methods.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to apply transferable skills (detailed below) to archaeologically specific tasks and situations.

Key Skills:

• study skills, including short-essay writing and problem-solving.
• how to identify sources and availability of information.
• understanding of accessing and using library, WWW and the VLE resources.
• understanding of procedures and regulations required to access information and how to ensure these are complied with.
• basic comprehension of description and interpretation of data.
• understanding of requirements for analysis and interpretation.
• understanding of applied archaeological ethics and technical standards.
• basic knowledge of the preparation and effective communication of data, interpretations and arguments.
• understanding of the need for critical investigation of sources of information and opinion used to inform research and analysis.

• The module is taught through a combination of lecture and workshop classes, tutorials, formative tasks and self-guided learning.
• It is assessed through an examination.
• Lectures will ensure the effective communication of key information and theoretical ideas, supported by reading lists and written summaries of follow-up notes posted on the VLE, enabling students to gain up-to-date knowledge, as well as guidance on further reading.
• Tutorials will focus on discussion and feedback between tutors and students in small groups, in a relatively informal learning environment, enabling students to enhance, discuss, question and receive feedback on their knowledge and to gain experience in oral communication and collaborative group-work.
• Self-guided learning comprises personal study, research, revision and evaluation associated with classes and assignments; guided by lecturers, tutors and reading lists of specialist books, articles and web-sites.
• Research is embedded into the teaching of this module through the expertise of the lecturers and tutors. The examples and topics chosen within the curriculum will derive from the specialist research interests of the staff teaching the module, and students are introduced to the results of the research of their teachers as well as the wider context of the subject.
• Classes may consist of pre-recorded videos and/or live presentations from tutors, and integrate break-out discussions, study exercises and other learning activities as appropriate to the material covered from week to week.

Formative assessment may short problem-solving assignments in preparation for the summative assessment and other short assignments related to the learning outcomes of the module.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.