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who have completed their intermediate year with the unique opportunity for embodied-learning through engagement with unpublished archaeological finds.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.

The module centres on the recording, cataloguing, and study of archaeological finds. Students should be prepared to work in the field Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00. Students will develop their skills from daily lectures, as well as field trips to various archaeological sites and museum collections.

Lecture 1 – Introduction Lecture 2 – Approaching legacy data Lecture 3 – Identifying pottery Lecture 4 – Quantifying the past, part I Lecture 5 – Quantifying the past, part II Lecture 6 – Quantifying the past, part III Lecture 7 – Archaeological conservation Lecture 8 – Archaeological cataloguing, part I Lecture 9 – Archaeological cataloguing, part II Lecture 10 – Archaeological illustration

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.

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.