To provide practical instruction in the principles, methods and application of qualitative and quantitative assessment of archaeological artefacts.

2 hour lecture per week x 10 weeks.

None

None

2500 word essay at 30%, report critique 30%, artefact assessment exercise 40%

This course aims to:

■ To provide practical instruction in the principles, methods and application of qualitative and quantitative assessment of archaeological artefacts.
In particular:

■ To introduce students to the processes of archaeological artefact analysis from excavation through post-excavation studies to final museum curation and display

■ To encourage an appreciation of the role and contribution of the archaeological finds specialist

■ To introduce the principles of and skills in archaeological artefact identification and recording and an awareness of the potential contribution of various analytical techniques

■ To develop an appreciation of the manufacturing processes and their analysis for various artefact classes

■ To develop an appreciation of the contemporary challenges in the conservation, display and presentation of artefacts

By the end of this course, students will be able to:-

- Identify the potential of different types of methodological approaches and their relevance to different classes of archaeological artefacts

- Communicate the salient issues of researching archaeological assemblages and an understanding of the various stages of analysis

- Construct critical understandings of the wider theoretical themes in current archaeological artefact studies

- Communicate the processes of artefact manufacture and their chronological and cultural significance

- Undertake the organisational and interpersonal skills to identify and investigate archaeological assemblages and assess their potential

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.