AA3020 Principles and Techniques in Archaeology
Academic year
2026 to 2027 Semester 1
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 9
Availability restrictions
Available only to students in Honours Ancient History & Archaeology, in Honours Medieval History & Archaeology, or in BA (International Honours) Classical Studies.
Planned timetable
Tuesdays 2.00–3.00pm and Thursdays 2.00–4.00pm
Module Staff
Team Taught
Module description
This module, which draws on archaeological material from around the world, is divided into two sections. The first is a series of seminars and lectures on the central practical concerns of archaeology: the way in which the type of excavation affects the resulting evidence; methods of studying sites and artefacts; how to publish archaeological material, and the importance of conservation. This will give a general grounding to enable students to understand archaeological reports, and to apply this understanding to other parts of the Honours degree. The second part will address the important contribution of theoretical archaeology to the discipline, while also elucidating the practical applications and relevance of theory. There is no particular concentration on any one historical period and material is chosen rather to illustrate a broad range of methods and issues.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
ENTRY TO HONOURS ANCIENT HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY OR TO HONOURS MEDIEVAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY OR TO HONOURS BA (INTERNATIONAL HONOURS) CLASSICAL STUDIES
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 100%
Re-assessment
Examination = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1 lecture and 1 x 2-hour seminar per week.
Scheduled learning hours
30
Guided independent study hours
270
Intended learning outcomes
- Engage effectively with archaeological theories and methodologies
- Integrate a variety of evidence into archaeological and historical arguments
- Construct and articulate a coherent oral presentation with critical use of evidence
- Process and convey archaeological information in written form with a keen awareness of diverse audiences (e.g. members of the public, grant committees, etc)
- Analyse and critically evaluate published archaeological research