This module provides a detailed and practical introduction to the current theory, methods and practice of public and community archaeology in Ireland. Community archaeology is an increasingly important and dynamic aspect of Irish archaeology, with a number of projects carried out in recent years that show a variety of ways that the general public can engage with our cultural heritage. 
In a series of strategic plans, national organisations such as the Heritage Council have identified the need to broaden inclusivity and participation in cultural heritage. International standards such as the Council of Europe Florence Convention on Landscape, the Council of Europe Faro Convention of the Value of Cultural Heritage to Society and the ICOMOS Burra Charter from Australia, all identify and highlight the need for greater public involvement in the opportunities and challenges of cultural heritage. However Community Archaeology is a fluid, varied and occasionally ill-defined discipline, with different meanings and expectations to both practitioners and the communities that take part. 
This course seeks to identify the different definitions, forms and methods of community archaeology, and will provide considerations to help to develop frameworks for successful public engagement. During this module we will identify all the different stakeholders in a typical community project, and establish the duty of care that each stakeholder requires. Participants will work in collaborative teams to go through a step by step process to simulate a community project, including how to plan, organise, research, promote and carry out a community dig, and the different roles that the public can engage with each aspect of a project, from its inception, fieldwork, publication and outreach. This module will use class exercises and seminars to encourage students to become leaders and facilitators of public heritage. To reflect a real-world environment, where you may have little choice regarding who you work with, you will be assigned to a group for the duration of the module. Based on the maxim that the best way to learn is to teach another, each group will work together during various learning activities to achieve the module’s learning outcomes.