ARCH41270 Archaeological Field Methods

Academic Year 2023/2024

ARCH41270: Archaeological Field Methods will introduce you to some key principles in archaeological investigations, principally through archaeological excavations of key features in UCD Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (e.g. which in the past have included excavations of the burnt-down early medieval roundhouse, ironsmelting areas, pottery firing features and other 'archaeological sites' within CEAMC).

An experienced professional archaeologist and adept Site Director Cathy Moore will guide you in such key archaeological field recording and processing techniques as excavation methods and techniques; site and feature scale planning; sampling, retention of archaeological finds, and other typical methods of recording features (e.g. drawing, photography, use of feature sheets, and other methods). An emphasis is placed on understanding the basic archaeological methods used in fieldwork and applying skills in practice, including how to use text, illustrations, artefact studies, and an understanding how we represent the excavated record by various means.

This is a module taught entirely through outdoors work, and attendance everyday is obligatory as key learning tasks will be encountered every day. In 2024, this will be held during the two-weeks of the March 2024 mid-term break (but not including St Patrick's Day (a national holiday) or at weekends). March in Ireland can be cold and wet, and also bright and breezy, so warm and waterproof footwear (preferably workboots) and clothing (coat, hat, trousers suitable for outdoors work (not jeans, which don't dry out) are a requirement. A packed lunch and drinks should be brought by each student. Toilet facilities are available locally in Roebuck. Access to CEAMC is via gravel pathways and CEAMC itself is grassy with uneven ground, and occasional hollows, dug pits and trip hazards. You will be working with digging tools (mattocks, shovels, spades, trowels) and will be guided on their safe use for yourself and others. Any students with health or access concerns should discuss any of this with the module coordinator (Prof Aidan O'Sullivan) as soon as possible

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module you should be able to:
- Understand how archaeologists approach the investigation of sites and features
- Perform basic tasks using key pieces of archaeological equipment
- Record features in the field
- Critically appraise the techniques utilised
- Consider appropriate excavation strategies and methods to achieve define goals
- Work in groups to manage and undertake a field or other project
- Present your project portfolio to a professional standard

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

40
Specified Learning Activities

125
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Total

240
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
See module description 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Journal: A reflective learning journal, with written notes, sketches, and personal observations on the process of archaeological excavation. Week 10 n/a Graded No

30
Portfolio: Portfolio of written text, drawings and photographs and other records that build towards an 'excavation report, so that you can display the techniques acquired during the module. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided through Brightspace.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Meriel McClatchie Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan O'Neill Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Mon 10:00 - 16:50
Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Thurs 10:00 - 16:50
Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Tues 10:00 - 16:50
Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 27, 28 Wed 10:00 - 16:50
Spring