This module will begin by developing students’ knowledge and understanding of current methods and practice of archaeological survey and excavation. Thereafter, the implications of legal and administrative frameworks associated with archaeological practice in the UK will be addressed and the ethical considerations of survey and excavation in a variety of scenarios will be explored. Students are required to critically evaluate these subjects and actively engage in group discussions in both lectures and seminars. Through a variety of case studies and practical sessions, students will then develop and apply their knowledge of the variety of non-invasive and invasive techniques available to archaeologists in the twenty-first century. By the end of the module, students will possess the knowledge and skills to devise survey and excavation strategies in a range of commercial and research environments.

Students will be required to complete two pieces of summative assessment.

1. A formal oral presentation of 15 minutes on one aspect of current archaeological practice. Students must critically evaluate their chosen subject and highlight any ethical issues and/or legal and administrative frameworks associated with their chosen practice. Support will be offered to students in the preparation of this assessment in the form of one-to-one and group tutorials. This assessment is worth 30% of the module grade. The assessment addresses learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3; thus it provides students with the following skills: knowledge, understanding, learning, enquiry, problem-solving, analysis and communication.

2. A 4500 word report will comprise 70% of the module grade.

This assessment relates to an identified case study site, for which students will:
• Reflect critically on the methodological issues of archaeological practice (including issues relating to legal and administrative framework, and ethical considerations) relating to the case study site.
• Design a survey and/or excavation strategy which strikes a balance between carrying out successful archaeological work and accounting for these methodological issues.
The assessment addresses learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4; thus it provides students with the following skills: knowledge, understanding, learning, enquiry, problem-solving, analysis and communication.

The module will be delivered over 12 weeks through weekly two-hour lectures and practical sessions that include on-campus tuition and practice of archaeological methods. Additional weekly one hour seminars will involve discussions centring on readings assigned to students the previous week, will allow consolidation and reflection upon the taught material and the opportunity for discussion and critical evaluation. There will also be visits to active archaeological sites at which students will be able to learn from practitioners in the field and enhance their own skills.

Students will follow a 12 week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard. Students will also be required to find additional resources and readings during their independent study time. Formative assessment will be carried out in lectures, practical sessions and seminars in the form of practical tasks, quizzes and debates.

Balme, J. and Paterson, A. 2013. Archaeology in Practice: A Student Guide to Archaeological Analysis. London: John Wiley.
Grant, J. 2005. The Archaeology Coursebook: An Introduction to Study Skills, Topics and Methods. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Scarre, C. and Scarre, G. 2006. The Ethics of Archaeology: Philosophical Perspectives on Archaeological Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schofield, J., Carmen, J. and Belford, P. 2011. Archaeological Practice in Great Britain. London: Springer.

Access to appropriate survey and excavation equipment

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of archaeological methods and practice informed by current commercial and research environments. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Application and Communication)

2. Critically evaluate the legal and administrative frameworks associated with commercial and research archaeology in the UK and apply this knowledge as appropriate. (Enquiry and Analysis)

3. Understand and critically evaluate the ethical issues related to archaeological practice across a range of commercial and research environments. (Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving, Enquiry and Analysis)

4. Apply advanced knowledge and understanding of archaeological methods and practice to a range of practical scenarios. (Learning, Application, Problem Solving and Communication)