Introductory description

This intensive fieldwork module provides students with training in contemporary archaeological methods. This module has been designed to provide students from the University of Warwick who have completed their intermediate year with the unique opportunity for embodied-learning through engagement with unpublished archaeological finds. This experience will provide a complement to our current module offerings by enabling students to work in a small-group setting with a Warwick lecturer and field-leading material culture specialists. Students will also gain exposure to an international community of scholars working in Greece and familiarise themselves with the resources and facilities of the British School at Athens.

Module aims

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.

This module will take place at the Stratigraphic Museum at the Knossos Study Centre of the British School at Athens. Located at the Villa Ariadne, Knossos, Crete and will be hosted by the British School at Athens.

The basis of this project will be based around the recording, cataloging and study of archaeological material from the site of Knossos. Students will work under close supervisions of expert archaeologists and will be trained in how to identify, record and interpret archaeological artefacts and architecture. Work days will take place on Mondays-Saturdays. In addition to the fieldwork, students will attend several lectures/workshops and field trips on afternoons (within the workday)
Lecture Topics and Field trips include:

• Lecture: Introduction to Crete.
• Lecture: Introduction to Knossos.
• Workshop: Recording and Cataloguing Artefacts.
• Lecture: Minoan Pottery.
• Lecture: Historical Pottery.
• Workshop: Archaeological Illustration.
• Field trip: Tour of the Palace at Knossos.
• Field trip: Trip to the Archaeological Museum of Herakleion.

Learning outcomes

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

• To identify Greek material culture according to field-specific nomenclatures and chronologies.
• To record, catalogue, study, and illustrate archaeological finds in preparation for publication.
• To reflect thoughtfully on the connections between different archaeological finds as the result of close observation.
• To effectively communicate the results of their research in writing.
• To effectively process, manage, and interpret complex data sets.

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

Students will complete a research essay on a topic related to their field work experience in consultation with the module coordinator.

Interdisciplinary

Archaeology is inherently interdisciplinary. Students will have the opportunity to learn from specialists in a variety of disciplines. This may include specialists in Art History, Geology, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science.

International

The fieldwork component of the module will take place in Greece. Students will study in an environment with an international team of scholars from Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Subject specific skills

Ability to recognise and date Greek pottery; Fundamentals of archaeological illustration; Ability to quantify complex archaeological assemblages; Ability to interpret archaeological finds within their ancient contexts; Familiarity with contemporary archaeological methodologies and recording systems.

Transferable skills

Ability to work with archival documentation; Ability to work with and manage databases; Ability to work with and interpret complex data sets; Ability to work independently or as a member of a team; Communication skills; Critical thinking; Ability to write clear and convincing arguments.