Detailed Information

ARCH20500 - Archaeology of Things (Credit) - 2017

Archaeology is the discipline of things. This module explores how archaeologists think about material culture and things, and how they reconstruct how people made, used and discarded objects in the past. It provides students, through lectures and seminars, with an understanding of how archaeologists work with things. 
Lectures are complemented by regular practical handling sessions. We will explore such topics as object classification, typologies, description and recording, scientific analysis of archaeological materials, and experimental archaeology. Alongside this, we will examine the many different roles and functions that objects had in the past and how these may differ from our modern views and practices. We will explore concepts such as ownership and wealth, object deposition and discard, and the life-cycle of objects. The module also incorporates a review of key artefact assemblages from prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods. While there is a general focus on the material culture of Ireland, this will be compared and contrasted with material from Britain and continental Europe. In addition to the end-of-semester exam, and short in-semester quizzes on artefact identification, students will undertake a object-based project combining self-guided museum and literature research.

Tutor Dates Time Venue/Location Fee €
Jessica Smyth 22 Jan 2018 to 25 Apr 2018 9:00 Belfield

500.00



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Semester 2

Level 2

 

The School of Archaeology recommends that students take level 1 modules first.

Lectures:  Mondays 9:00 - 10:00 and Wednesdays 9:00 - 10:00, beginning 21 January, 2019 

Tutorials:  There are no tutorials for this module.

 

If you are taking this module for credit, please take note of the dates below:

Term dates for revision:  Saturday, 27 April - Sunday, 5 May             

Term dates for exams:    Tuesday, 7 May – Saturday, 18 May

Open Learning Fee (audit only) €350 per module

Open Learning Fee (with assessment) €500 per 5 credit module

 

Upgrading from audit to credit:  You may upgrade from being an audit student to a credit student up to three weeks into term.  Please note, however, that you can't change back to being an audit student - if you decide not to complete the assignments and/or sit the exams, this will appear on your academic record.

 

Concessions
There are no concessions available for Open Learning modules.

 

Refunds
Refunds may in some instances be available for extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness, within two weeks of the start of the module.  Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing, with supporting documents where appropriate.

Dr Jessica Smyth