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CX333-30 Principles and Methods in Classical Archaeology

Department
Classics & Ancient History
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Suzanne Frey-Kupper
Credit value
30
Module duration
22 weeks
Assessment
50% coursework, 50% exam
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

The module aims to introduce students to some of the main areas relevant to uncovering the substance and significance of material evidence from classical antiquity. Much of this evidence is still clearly extant above ground, but more still - often material highly relevant to the everyday lives of people - has only been discovered by excavation. Yet the very act of excavation poses problems for our understanding of the past. Within the vast territory that was once the classical world, sites often lie in areas where political considerations play a large part in determining attitudes and action. Even in circumstances favourable to investigation the act of disturbing the past has its ramifications both physical and ethical, while the paramount position of the discrete site, which held sway in earlier decades, must now be placed in the much wider context of its hinterland.

From the gathering of specimens destined for cabinets of curiosities or museums, archaeology has moved to the quest for information, and in doing so has embraced many of the resources of science currently available. The module will seek to show the background to this process and how scientific techniques have introduced an element of relative precision into areas where previously there had only been a qualitative set of criteria.

From the discovery and extraction of finds, the module will take students into the realm of museum work to discover the rationale that lies behind these institutions today. It will allow them access to those areas of activity that inevitably underpin the production of research and display.

Module web page

Module aims

The module aims to introduce students to some of the main areas relevant to uncovering the substance and significance of material evidence from classical antiquity.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module aims to introduce students to some of the main areas relevant to uncovering the substance and significance of material evidence from classical antiquity. Much of this evidence is still clearly extant above ground, but more still - often material highly relevant to the everyday lives of people - has only been discovered by excavation. Yet the very act of excavation poses problems for our understanding of the past. Within the vast territory that was once the classical world, sites often lie in areas where political considerations play a large part in determining attitudes and action. Even in circumstances favourable to investigation the act of disturbing the past has its ramifications both physical and ethical, while the paramount position of the discrete site, which held sway in earlier decades, must now be placed in the much wider context of its hinterland.
From the gathering of specimens destined for cabinets of curiosities or museums, archaeology has moved to the quest for information, and in doing so has embraced many of the resources of science currently available. The module will seek to show the background to this process and how scientific techniques have introduced an element of relative precision into areas where previously there had only been a qualitative set of criteria.
From the discovery and extraction of finds, the module will take students into the realm of museum work to discover the rationale that lies behind these institutions today. It will allow them access to those areas of activity that inevitably underpin the production of research and display.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Have enhanced their research, writing and communication skills
  • Have an understanding of the history of classical archaeology
  • Have an appreciation of the major areas of development in terms of technique, their potentials and limitations
  • Develop an ability to question many of the assumptions that underlie archaeology's rationale
  • Have an understanding of the role of archaeology in present-day society within a British context

Indicative reading list

  1. Illustrative Bibliography
    ALCOCK S.E. & OSBORNE R. (ed.), Classical Archaeology, 2007.
    GREENE K., Moore, Th., Archaeology. An Introduction, 2010 (fifth edition; 1983, first edition by Greene, K.).
    RENFREW C. & BAHN P., Archaeology, Theories Methods and Practice, 1991 (2008, fifth edition).
    HODDER I., Reading the Past, Current Approaches to Interpretation in Archaeology, 1986/93.
    JOHNSON M., Archaeological Theory. An Introduction, 1999 (2010, second edition
    BAHN P.G., The Cambridge Illustrated History of Archaeology, 1995.
    EVANS J. & O'CONNOR T., Environmental Archaeology: Principles and Methods, 1999.

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module students will have gained:

an understanding of the history of classical archaeology
an appreciation of the major areas of development in terms of technique, their potentials and limitations
an ability to question many of the assumptions that underlie archaeology's rationale
an understanding of the role of archaeology in present-day society within a British context
The ability to set their findings into a wider comparative context, drawing in other aspects of the study of the ancient world
The ability to seek out appropriate secondary literature and show discernment in the types of primary evidence addressed.

Transferable skills

  • critical thinking
  • problem solving
  • active lifelong learning
  • communication
  • information literacy
  • ICT literacy
  • Citizenship

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 35 sessions of 1 hour (12%)
Seminars 4 sessions of 1 hour (1%)
Tutorials 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%)
Practical classes 20 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
External visits 8 sessions of 1 hour (3%)
Private study 231 hours (77%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

Category Description Funded by Cost to student
Books and learning materials

texts, approximately £30

Student £30.00

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group C2
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Term 1 Essay 25% Yes (extension)

Essay 1 2,500- 3000 words

Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
Term 2 Essay 25% Yes (extension)

Essay 2 2,500- 3000 words

Reassessment component is the same
Assessment component
In person examination 50% No

2-hour examination, summer


  • Answerbook Pink (12 page)
Reassessment component is the same
Feedback on assessment

Individual tutorials, Tabula feedback marking sheets.

Past exam papers for CX333

Courses

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 3 of UCXA-Q804 Undergraduate Classics (Latin)

This module is Core option list A for:

  • Year 3 of UCXA-VV16 Undergraduate Ancient History and Classical Archaeology
  • Year 4 of UCXA-VV18 Undergraduate Ancient History and Classical Archaeology with Study in Europe

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 3 of UCXA-Q800 BA in Classics
  • Year 4 of UCXA-VV18 Undergraduate Ancient History and Classical Archaeology with Study in Europe
  • Year 3 of UCXA-Q820 Undergraduate Classical Civilisation
  • Year 4 of UCXA-Q821 Undergraduate Classical Civilisation with Study in Europe
  • Year 4 of UCXA-Q802 Undergraduate Classics (Latin) with Study in Europe