ARCH40870 Introduction to GIS and Spatial Methods in Archaeology

Academic Year 2019/2020

Studying the past, or managing heritage, will require you to think spatially and deal with spatial data. Space can be considered the glue that holds our understanding of the past together. It is the one piece of information that is common to most, if not all, evidence that we have. This module introduces you to a series of concepts and techniques that will allow you to both manage and explore heritage data spatially.

From a practical perspective spatial information in Archaeology and many other disciplines is most commonly considered in terms of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Consequently, this module will have a focus on introducing you to, and giving hands on experience of, these technologies and related issues. Although this is a module that focuses on heritage it may suit other postgraduate students who require an introduction to spatial methods as part of their research.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the fundamentals of GIS
2. Appreciate the place of GIS in the context of broader spatial concepts
3. Evaluate and discriminate between key types of spatial data and their use
4. Critically assess the use of spatial methods used in heritage research & management

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

6

Computer Aided Lab

24

Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is taught through traditional lectures, Q&A, seminars and computer laboratory sessions 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

No prior experience of GIS or spatial methods is assumed.

A good working knowledge of, and confidence with, basic computing is recommended.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Critical Essay (2000 - 2500 words) Week 6 n/a Graded No

30

Project: Project (3500 words) Week 12 n/a Graded No

70


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

UCD School of Archaeology use standard feedback sheets for all modules. Your feedback is provided on this form - the form also contains feed forward details - this will help you think about how you could improve your approach in future assignments. This module has two components - the first is a traditional essay which is designed to promote a critical and theoretical reflection on the use of GIS in archaeology and heritage. The second is the production of a project that is based on a detailed brief and provided data.