This module will examine the role of the landscape archaeologist and demonstrate the fundamental principles of archaeological investigation. Students will be introduced to the various methods that can be employed by archaeologists at to reveal former landscapes, remote sensing, geophysical survey and excavation. Case studies involving the search for, and recovery of, clandestinely buried items will be presented, whilst specific sessions focusing on the logistical and environment factors that may hinder these investigations will be delivered. Practical sessions in geophysics and excavation will complement the taught components and provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the methods discussed. Lectures by specialist practitioners regularly involved in case work will offer a `real-world' perspective. Additionally, students will be expected to critique specialist reports providing an opportunity to understand up-to-date developments within the discipline, and as enhance their research and analytical skills.

This module will also allow students to participate in a field course where the knowledge gained from the first part of the module can be applied to an actual case study site. This fieldwork is likely to be residential and students will work for 10 days, for 8 hours a day. Practical work in field survey, geophysics, excavation and recording will be undertaken, thus providing an introduction to the practical applications of the methods discussed in taught sessions. Additionally, students will be expected to demonstrate competency in generic skills such as team working, communication and time management.

Landscape archaeology is a very practical subject area but the opportunities for casework experiences are limited for students. This represents a unique opportunity for the student's to apply their theoretical knowledge as part of an active research project and to gain first-hand experience of some of the issues involved in the study archaeology. Note: This field course also represents an opportunity for students to collect data for their third year project, subject to prior agreement with the module leader.

The module will be assessed by 100% coursework.

1. A portfolio of practical work based on a case study scenario and the locally based fieldwork sessions (Teaching Block 1). This will assess learning outcomes 1 – 4 (50%)
2. A portfolio of practical work based on the fieldwork at the case study site, to include an individual performance and peer assessment. (Teaching Block 2). Learning Outcomes 5-8 will be assessed as part of this assignment – Final assessment (50%)

Additional Assessment Details
Students will be provided with formative work and feedback during in-class exercises during semester 1. Criteria for assessing the summative work will be provided in the module handbook and via in-class discussions and during pre-fieldwork meetings.
Students will be provided with formative feedback during the practical work

18 hours of tutor-led lecture/tutorial or problem solving classes. These sessions will introduce students to the theoretical aspects of archaeological investigations and relevant case studies. 6 hours of practical work relating to the application of geophysical methods, excavation and archaeological illustration. There will also be two weeks of fieldwork at an allocated case study site (80 hours of contact time). The required portfolio of work will be checked at regular intervals throughout the field course to ensure that students are keeping it up to date. Formative feedback will be provided once during this time. It is expected that students will undertake independent study in advance of the field course, in order to research background material for their portfolio (e.g. a geological and historical review of the site), and in the evenings during the field course as part of the work on their assignment.

146 hours of independent study will be used to research background material, case studies and to complement the practical sessions.

David, B. and Thomas, J. 2010. Handbook of Landscape Archaeology. Left Coast Press.

Rippon, S. 2004. Historic Landscape Analysis: Deciphering the Countryside (Practical Handbook). CBA.

Muir, R. 2000. The New Reading The Landscape: Fieldwork in Landscape History (Landscape studies). University of Exeter press.

Bowden, M. 1999. Unravelling the Landscape: Inquisitive Approach to Archaeology. The History Press.

Student Handbook
Blackboard VLE
Archaeological Tools/Equipment
Accommodation, Transport and Subsistence

Students wishing to study this module should be aware that they will have to make and additional payment for the cost of the field course. This could be as much as £600.

1) Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the method and scope of the landscape archaeologist
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

2) Display knowledge of the variety of methods that can be employed during archaeological investigations, and their capabilities and limitations
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

3) Apply the knowledge gained about the archaeological methods to practical scenarios in geophysics and excavation
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION)

4) Understand the variety of transferable skills that can be employed, both from and to the wider discipline of forensic investigation
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION)

5) Demonstrate practical ability in the use of archaeological methods
(APPLICATION)

6) Manipulate the data recorded during the fieldwork in order to derive interpretations about the archaeological artefacty at the case study site
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY)

7) Evaluate the overall methodology employed and demonstrate an understanding of the benefits and limitations of the techniques used
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ENQUIRY, PROBLEM SOLVING)

8) Demonstrate the ability to work as a team, as well as independently as required. Students should also demonstrate evidence of strong communication skills and time management.
(LEARNING, COMMUNICATION, REFLECTION)