HS2124: Deep Histories: the Archaeology of Britain

School Archaeology
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS2124
External Subject Code V400
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Andrew Cochrane
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

The archaeology of Britain is a topic that intercuts almost all areas of enquiry, from human origins studies, later prehistory, Roman and Classical archaeology, and medieval archaeology.

This course will introduce you to chronologies and key concepts, such as ‘identity’, ‘power’, ‘the body’, ‘settlement’ and ‘performance’, as a means to engage with archaeology from the last 800,000 years. You will study the motivations and methods of making things, places and people. The module not only presents the theoretical principles and methods of analysis for studying archaeology, but also presents these alongside plentiful and detailed case studies.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • recognise and describe a range of archaeological evidence from the British Isles and Ireland
  • relate this material to major themes and concepts (e.g. settlement, identity) in the study of these geographical locations from the earliest occupants to the Medieval period
  • explain the evidence with reference to modern interpretations and theories
  • identify changes over time or compare the different societies that lived in the British Isles and Ireland
  • discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed

How the module will be delivered

20 lectures and 2 seminars; independent learning; 1 coursework feedback tutorial

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Slides will be used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars enable students to develop their analytical and interpretative skills by studying and discussing key evidence and concepts. During seminars students will practise constructing arguments and debates, and get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the archaeological evidence and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for the major themes of the module.

Coursework feedback tutorials provide students with an opportunity to get feedback and guidance on all aspects of their written work.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
  • observation and visual analysis
  • critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
  • constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
  • clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
  • employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of archaeological evidence
  • bibliographic and referencing skills
  • team-working and contributing to group discussions
  • using IT resources effectively
  • independent working and time management

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through a 2000-word essay (50%) and an exam consisting of one essay question and one picture question, weighted 70:30 (50%).

The essay and exam questions will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and an awareness of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to British archaeology from 800,000 years ago to the medieval period.

In the picture question that forms part of the exam, three artefacts, structures or sites will be set (10 marks each). Students will be asked to comment on all three images and assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the archaeological evidence and interpretations of it. The images will be selected from the material discussed in the seminars.

The opportunity for reassessment in this module - Students who fail the module will normally be expected to re-sit the failed component(s) in the summer re-sit period; in some circumstances reassessment will be by coursework.

 

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Coursework - Essay (2000 Words) N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Deep Histories: The Archaeology Of Britain 1.5

Syllabus content

  • British archaeology from 800,000 years ago to the medieval period: geography; modern approaches; prehistory; writing and the state; temples, monumentality and religion; settlements and urbanism; performance and art; the creation of Britannia; farming and the economy; gender; death and burial.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Bradley, R. 2007. The Prehistory of Britain and Ireland. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Carroll, J., Harrison, S. and Williams, G. 2014. The Vikings in Britain and Ireland. London: The British Museum Press.

Conneller, C. and Warren, G. 2006. Mesolithic Britain and Ireland: New Approaches. London: The History Press.

Gerrard, C. 2003. Medieval Archaeology: Understanding Traditions and Contemporary Approaches. London: Routledge.

Hunter, J. and Ralston, I.B.M. 1999. The Archaeology of Britain: An Introduction from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Industrial Revolution. London: Routledge.

Hobbs, R. and Jackson, R. 2010. Roman Britain: Life at the Edge of Empire. London: British Museum.

Salway, P. 2002. Roman Britain: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Laing, L. 2006. The Archaeology of Celtic Britain and Ireland c. AD 400–1200. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Jones, R. and Page, M. 2006. Medieval Villages in an English Landscape. Windgather: Macclesfield.

Parker Pearson, M. 1993. Bronze Age Britain. London: Batsford Ltd.

Pettitt, P. and White, M. 2012. The British Palaeolithic: Human Societies at the Edge of the Pleistocene World. London: Routledge.

Stringer, C. 2007. Homo Britannicus: The Incredible Story of Human Life in Britain. London: Penguin.

Background Reading and Resource List

See the module handout for the full reading list.


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