1. Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of the key concepts of community archaeology within the UK and internationally
2. Assess the objectives, issues and successes of community archaeology projects for individuals and societies
3. Learn how to develop community archaeology projects and apply these processes to a proposed scenario
4. Apply appropriate research skills and demonstrate communication and evidencing skills appropriate to the different audiences involved in community archaeology

Assessment 1 (80%). An individual portfolio report written in the style of an Archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation (method statement). The purpose of the portfolio will be to cover the necessary elements involved in developing a community archaeological project (Historical background research, project design-aims, objectives methodology, community interactions, risk assessment, cost implications etc) Students will choose a site from a given list. (LOs 1, 3,4)

Assessment 2 (20%) Oral presentation of the portfolio (20%) of the marks will be derived from a 10-minute oral presentation (including PowerPoint) of the key elements described in the individual portfolio report. (LOs 2, 4)

Formative feedback will be offered on for draft submissions of both the portfolio and the presentation.

There are known social, intellectual, physical and psychological benefits of participating in archaeological and cultural heritage projects. It can increase the resilience of individuals and groups, support communities which are at risk of breakdown, and be used as a response to crises in societal welfare. Community volunteer archaeology projects attempt to engage people with their past to give them meaning in the present. Individual contributions to community projects can create awareness of shared heritage, identity, add to quality of life, be used as rehabilitation and can be used as a leisure activity.

On this module, you will be introduced to the various types of community archaeology projects and the variety of objectives, issues and successes associated with it as a discipline. You will be taught the development of community archaeology and the growth of this form of archaeology within the profession. This module will ensure you are able to recognise that the personal and social effects of archaeological projects can be as significant as the cultural and historical. Through a series of taught lectures and workshop exercises you will build experience on how to construct a community archaeology project through the production of a community archaeology project design.

Topics covered will include;

An introduction to the concept of community archaeology. Who are the participants? Why are they involved? How do they undertake community projects? What archaeological processes are used? Can we define community archaeology?

The development and use of community archaeology. How does it fit into the archaeological discipline? Why undertake community archaeology projects?

Types of community archaeology- Definitions and discussions.

‘Open archaeology’, ‘Volunteer archaeology’ or ‘Community archaeology’- (‘Bottom up’ or ‘top down’)

Personal, social and societal benefits of involvement in archaeological projects – the evidence. Archaeology as alternative education, rehabilitation and individual development. Ensuring ethical practice.

Development of a community archaeology projects 1- Funding opportunities, developing ideas and supporting groups. Archaeology as social activism.

Development of a community archaeology projects 2- Who to involve, project development and preparation, resource management, health and safety

Community resources, methodology and archaeological fieldwork techniques. (Use of - test pitting, geophysical survey, archival research, museum collection research, digital opportunities and background research)

Accessible techniques- Teaching archaeology to others. Using digital and standard methodologies.

There are known social, intellectual, physical and psychological benefits of participating in archaeological and cultural heritage projects. Community Archaeology involvement can increase the resilience of individuals and groups, support communities which are at risk of breakdown, and be used as a response to crises in societal welfare. Community volunteer archaeology projects attempt to engage people with their past to give them meaning in the present. Individual contributions to community projects can create awareness of shared heritage, identity, add to quality of life, be used as rehabilitation and as a leisure activity.

On this module, you will be introduced to the various types of community archaeology projects and the variety of objectives, issues and successes associated with it as a discipline. You will be taught the development of community archaeology and the growth of this form of archaeology within the profession. This module will ensure you are able to recognise that the personal and social effects of archaeological projects can be as significant as the cultural and historical. Through a series of taught lectures and workshop exercises you will build experience on how to construct a community archaeology project through the production of a community archaeology project design.

The module will be delivered through a combination of:

(a) Classes that will combine, on a flexible basis, lectures with workshop exercises and be used to introduce theoretical concepts, to explore case studies and a set of weekly readings will be used to critically discuss ideas published in recent journal papers.

(b) independent learning through guided reading from core texts and the use of web-based materials to develop a detailed knowledge of selected at UK, European and global scales.

(c) Assessment Preparation for planning, researching, and writing.

Moshenska, Gabriel and Sarah, Djanjal, (Eds). 2011. Community archaeology: Themes methods and practices. Oxford: Oxbow books.

Roberts, H., Gale, J. and Welham, K. 2020 A Four Stage Approach to Community Archaeology, illustrated with case studies from Dorset, England,¿Internet Archaeology¿55.¿https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.55.6

Marshall, Yvonne. 2002. What is community archaeology? World Archaeology Vol.34 (2): 211-219.

Moshenska, Gabriel (Ed). 2017. Key Concepts in Public Archaeology. UCL Press, London

Simpson, Faye.2008. Community Archaeology under scrutiny. Conservation and MGMT of ARCH. SITES, VOL.10 No 1, Feb, 2008, 3-16

Simpson, Faye and Howard Williams. 2008. Evaluating Community Archaeology in the UK. Public Archaeology, Vol. 7, No.2 Summer 2008, 69-90.

Thomas, Suzie. Making Archaeological Heritage Accessible in Great Britain: Enter Community Archaeology in Thomas, Suzie and Joanne Lea. (Eds). 2014. Public Participation in Archaeology. The International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies. Newcastle University, The Boydell Press, Woodbridge.

Thomas, Suzie, 2017, Community Archaeology in Moshenska, Gabriel (Ed). 2017. Key Concepts in Public Archaeology. UCL Press, London

Tripp, Christopher. 2011. Why Community Archaeology? In Moshenska. G & S. Djanjal. (Eds). 2011. Community archaeology: Themes methods and practices. Oxford: Oxbow books.

Tully, Gemma. 2007. Community archaeology: general methods and standards of practice. Public archaeology, vol.6, No 3, 155-187. Maney & son Ltd.

VLE to access on-line learning resources.
High quality teaching space with usual audio-visual facilities.
Library resources both physical and online.