Archaeology

The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Archaeology Department, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. These will most commonly include: heavy and light excavation; finds and environmental processing; archaeological recording (written and drawn records); and basic surveying. Students will also learn how archaeological projects are organised in the field and the procedure by which they take place. This will be followed by a post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation, analysis and dissemination.

This mandatory module develops and supports students in attaining important skillsets in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing for their extended dissertation project in year 3. The first section of the course concentrates on developing a critical awareness of key theoretical standpoints and positions in the humanities with special reference to archaeology and anthropology. The second section of the course leads students through the process of research design and the skills required to deliver their dissertation project.  

This module examines climate and landscape change over long time scales. It explores evolving tectonic and orbital configurations, and the resultant climate, environmental and landscape changes since the Late Palaeozoic (c 500 million years ago [Ma]), but with a particular focus on the Quaternary (2.6 Ma to the present). The module explores the ways in which climate change has shaped the biosphere and the landscape. In order to do the latter, the approaches and methods of geomorphology are considered, and glacial, periglacial, aeolian, fluvial and coastal environments studied in a classroom, field and laboratory setting.

Option A: GIS & Geomatics 

Geographic Information Systems (sometimes known as Geographic Information Science), or GIS, and geomatics use digital and spatial technologies to investigate the Earth’s surface and sub-surface. Knowledge of GIS is a necessary precursor to the use of the techniques of geomatics, hence the division of the module into two parts (Parts 1 and Part 2). Part 1 (GIS) runs in Term 1, during which GIS theory and concepts are considered and evaluated, while students gain intermediate level knowledge of the use of one industry standard GIS in practical classes. Part 2 (geomatics) takes place in Term 2 and follows a trajectory from GIS-based examination of remote-sensed data to the collection of field data using geophysics and measured survey equipment. In addition to field and computer laboratory tasks, the key concepts of aerial and satellite remote sensing are introduced, while students are also reminded (from ARCH4003) of the theory underpinning relevant geophysical and measured survey techniques.                                       

Option B: Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology

This module examines the themes of death, burial and bioarchaeology through an anthropological and archaeological lens. It will explore the development of funerary practice from prehistory to the ethnographic present. Burial sites from various locations, temporally and geographically, will be examined, together with the importance of grave goods. The analysis of human remains is a key specialism across the disciplines of archaeology and biological anthropology. This module introduces students to the key theories and methods needed for the analysis and interpretation of skeletal remains. Current debates include the ethics of the treatment of the dead and the interpretation of burials in relation to gender and inequality. This module will have a practical approach where students will work in small groups to learn the skills of human remains analysis, it is therefore paramount that practical sessions are attended to enable the assigned component of this module to be completed.

The module is an Extended Independent Study in archaeology for students studying on all Archaeology programmes. Students select a topic in consultation with tutors and carry out preliminary research in ARCH5002. In ARCH6002 students then apply their knowledge of archaeological theory and practice, and carry out original research in order to produce a c. 10,000 word dissertation, the latter showing clarity of expression, logical argument and creative thought. The dissertation content/subject matter reflects the particular Archaeology pathway (e.g. a project using scientific method and/or data for BSc Archaeology) and the student’s interest.

This module examines three themes. In the first global organisation and protection of cultural heritage (i.e. through international agreements) is examined. A number of national and state case studies of cultural heritage law and practice are considered (e.g. USA, France, Germany and particularly the UK). The second theme introduces students to careers, both in the cultural resource management ‘industry’ and in other areas where skills acquired during an Archaeology degrees are relevant. The third theme, together with the final year project, is the culmination of the Archaeology degree. It provides students the opportunity to consider the multiplicity of archaeological interpretation on the basis of differing lines of evidence and varied approaches of study. A series of archaeological ‘problems’ are discussed with the aim of examining how data can be interpreted in various ways, each one of which might be equally valid. Case studies will depend upon staff availability but might include the diffusion models to explain the change from Mesolithic to Neolithic society in Europe; colonisation (of for example the Americas and Australia, and of Europe by early forms of Homo and Homo sapiens); origins, causes and effects of diseases in the archaeological and historical record and dating the eruption of Thera and the end of the Minoan civilisation and mid-Holocene vegetation change.

Archaeological Project Management and Fieldwork

This module is designed to develop your knowledge of archaeological fieldwork practice within a professional context. It is divided into two parts; the first comprising of four weeks practical experience during the summer prior to Term 1 on a University of Winchester fieldwork project, or an external project (subject to approval by the module leader). The second part of the module explores the role of archaeological fieldwork within professional practice by examining current approaches to project management used in modern commercial (i.e. developer-led) archaeology. The complete project management cycle from production of research designs, budgeting of projects, production of desk-based assessments, management of fieldwork projects and production of reports is considered. The impact and constraints imposed by planning and health and safety law on archaeological projects are then assessed and methods for fulfilling the legislative requirements explored. Teaching by Departmental staff is supplemented by guest lecturers, from for example a local commercial archaeological organisation, a local authority etc. These practitioners will provide a ‘real world’ insight into project management from their perspective. Visits to a commercial archaeological site will also help students appreciate the context within which this subject operates in professional archaeology.

Themes in European Prehistory

This module will involve an in-depth exploration of themes in prehistoric Europe. The study may cover the prehistory of Europe from the Palaeolithic period through the development of an agricultural economy across the continent in the Neolithic, and the end of the Iron Age and the spread of the Roman Empire, in line with available lecturing staff’s research expertise. Within this time period, key concepts, controversies and problems will be considered and methodologies analysed. Themes and topics of relevance may include art, trade and exchange, settlement, monuments, religion, and burial practices, and the module will be structured around the integration of different materials: archaeological, linguistic, anthropological, genetic and sociological evidence will all be considered.    

Rites Religions and Ritual

This module examines the archaeological evidence for religion, ritual and belief, drawing on case-studies from a range of religious and spiritual traditions. Attention in particular will be paid to the links and contrasts between different classes of evidence from different periods and places, such as surviving monuments, artefacts, art, architecture and iconography. A fieldtrip to relevant archaeological site, monument or museum will form part of this module.

The Archaeology of Conflict

The module examines the origins and development of human conflict. Based on archaeological evidence, alternative approaches to conflict such as evolutionary psychology, or military history will be explored. Intra-group and inter-group conflict will be considered, as well as domestic violence, state-inflicted violence and war. The legacy of conflict will be explored through an examination of physical and cultural heritage, memorialisation and current approaches to dark heritage and via the practice of battlefield archaeology. The ethics of archaeological engagement with conflicts and their associated cultural heritage will also be considered, particularly in relation to their contribution to helping establish stable and secure societies. As part of the module, the students will also participate and contribute to a mini-conference on the archaeology of conflict.