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ARCH10180

Academic Year 2024/2025

Archaeological Field Skills (ARCH10180)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Graeme Warren
Trimester:
Summer
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Fieldwork Module
How will I be graded?
Distinction/Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

ARCH10180 is an introduction to Archaeological Field Skills. Taught in an intensive two week field course, this module will introduce students to some of the skills and approaches used to conduct archaeological fieldwork and immediately associated post-excavation. During the two weeks students will work on a research excavation in the Wicklow Mountains and in the laboratories and classrooms in UCD. Students will complete a portfolio evidencing some of the skills that they have gained and reflecting on their learning.

ARCH10180 runs from June 4th - 20th 2025 (Mon-Fri only). Transport is provided from and to UCD each day (UCD times: c. 8.30am-6pm). Fieldwork requires working outside, and participants will need to have appropriate clothing and a small amount of equipment (full details to be provided, costs low).

In terms of physical workloads, fieldwork is often compared to light gardening. If you have any concerns about access, mobility or health, please contact the module coordinator in advance to discuss so we can make appropriate arrangements to support.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

- demonstrate an understanding of the main activities undertaken in archaeological excavation and post-excavation
- demonstrate an introductory level of practical knowledge of key fieldwork and post-excavation skills
- demonstrate an understanding of key terminology and equipment used in field and lab work
- work in teams and work safely in a professional environment
- reflect on the skills gained and experience of the process

Indicative Module Content:

ARCH10180 involves three main components.

The module will begin with a classroom day, wherein the principles and background to key archaeological field approaches are outlined.

The main part of the module involves participating in our Field School. This is a research-led archaeological excavation, structured to provide specific learning opportunities for participants.

Students will also spend two or three days conducting post-excavation work in the laboratories at UCD.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

15

Autonomous Student Learning

10

Field Trip/External Visits

75

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
ARCH10180 works by providing immersive, practical, hands-on experience of key skills, scaffolded by a conceptual framework provided by lectures and introductory explanations.

ARCH10180 is assessed through a process of reflection on the experiences and skills gained. Students are required to complete a Portfolio, modeled on the Archaeology Skills Passport (https://www.archaeologyskills.co.uk/). Templates and examples will be provided.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Portfolio: Portfolio detailing achievement of key fieldwork skills Week 8 Other No
100
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback provided individually on your Portfolio via Brightspace. Summary of overall class performance, common strengths/areas for improvements provided via Brightspace announcement and email.

Balme, J & Paterson 2006. Archaeology in Practice: a student guide to archaeological analyses. Oxford: Blackwell
Bettess, F 1992. Surveying for Archaeologists. Durham: University of Durham
Bowden, M 1999. Unravelling the landscape. Stroud: Tempus
Carver, M, 2009. Archaeological Investigation, London: Routledge.
Carver, M, 2011. Making Archaeology Happen: Design versus Dogma, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek.
Clark, A 1996. Seeing Beneath the Soil: prospecting methods in archaeology. London Batsford
Lucas, G 2001. Critical Approaches to Fieldwork: contemporary and historical archaeological practice. London: Routledge
Manning, C 2004. Irish Field Monuments. DOEHLG. Available free as a PDF at https://www.archaeology.ie/sites/default/files/media/publications/irish-field-monuments.pdf
Roskams, S, 2001. Excavation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Meriel McClatchie Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Conor McDermott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Summer Field Trip Offering 51 Week(s) - 40, 41 Fri 08:30 - 18:00
Summer Field Trip Offering 51 Week(s) - 40, 41 Mon 08:30 - 18:00
Summer Field Trip Offering 51 Week(s) - 40, 41 Thurs 08:30 - 18:00
Summer Field Trip Offering 51 Week(s) - 40, 41 Tues 08:30 - 18:00
Summer Field Trip Offering 51 Week(s) - 40, 41 Wed 08:30 - 18:00