1. Define and demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles that underpin archaeology.
2. Demonstrate a broad understanding of archaeological epochs ranging from the Holocene through to the modern period.
3. Understand how archaeological methodologies can be applied to humanitarian contexts and global challenges.
4. Collate academic literature on a selected issue related to humanitarian archaeology.

1. A poster presentation (1,500 words) on a topic agreed with your tutors. You will present your poster to a panel of staff and postgraduate students. [LO 1,2, 3, 4]. This assessment will also encourage group work and build confidence.

Formative assessment opportunities are available throughout the module - structured class activities will allow students to discuss ideas introduced in the module and relate them to the module assessments providing them with the opportunity to self-evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss their ideas for the module assignments and receive feedback on their plans.

This introductory module explores the theory and practice of archaeological investigation before briefly focusing on the concept of humanitarian archaeology and how this sub-discipline is linked to current global challenges. The module is taught through a wide range of case studies and discusses how archaeology principles can help to solve these challenges that global society faces today. Indicative content includes:

- What is archaeology?
- Archaeological theory
- Introduction to field practises
- Archaeological timeline
- Periods and epochs
- Stratigraphy
- Introduction to finds and materiality
- What is humanitarian archaeology?
- Climate change in the archaeological record
- Conflict archaeology
- Identity
- Archaeology in the 21st century

How can understanding the past and the present help us shape our future? In this module, you will be introduced to humanitarian archaeology and explore how conflict, genocide, human evolution, identity, and climate change have shaped the world in which we live and how society has responded to these challenges throughout human history.

This module will be delivered through a combination of independent and online learning, scheduled class sessions, and planning, researching, and producing the module assessments. Weekly content will be delivered throughout the course by specialists in their fields. By the end of the module, the students will have met and had sessions with all the key experts who will play important roles throughout the full degree programme.

Materials and resources that introduce the main themes and key concepts covered in the module, as well as supporting the development of the key skills required to complete the assessment will be made available via the VLE. These may be on the form of pre-recorded lectures, a set of directed readings, links to videos or appropriate micro-certification packages, or a mixture.

Workshops and seminars will provide students with the opportunity to: (i) debate and further explore the ideas introduced in the learning materials; (ii) discuss how they will use them to address the module assessment; and (iii) receive guidance on completing the assessment.

Students should spend the independent learning hours working through the learning resources and self-instructional materials provided in the VLE, completing preparatory and follow-up activities for the class sessions, and completing the module assessments.

1. Renfrew, Colin, and Paul Bahn. Archaeology : Theories, Methods and Practice, Thames & Hudson, Limited, 2020. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/staffordshire/detail.action?docID=6178544.
2. Colls, C.S., 2015.¿Holocaust archaeologies: Approaches and future directions. Springer.
3. Romm, J. (2022) Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know. 3rd edition Oxford OUP
4. Piskin, E., Marciniak, A. and Bartkowiak, M. eds., 2018. Environmental Archaeology: Current Theoretical and Methodological Approaches. Springer.
5. Hunter, J., Simpson, B., and Colls, C.S., 2013. Forensic approaches to buried remains. John Wiley & Sons.
6. Chazan, M., 2021. World prehistory and archaeology: pathways through time. Routledge.

VLE to access on-line learning resources.
High quality teaching space for face-to-face seminars where appropriate with usual audio-visual facilities.
Library resources both online and physical to support research.