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Practical Archaeology (ANCW30023)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2023
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
Overview
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This subject combines traditional classroom teaching and learning with hands-on fieldwork and workshop exercises to enable students to develop a working knowledge of practical archaeology and its methods within the context of modern research and archaeology in Australia and the Old World (the Near East, Mediterranean and Europe). The subject assumes no prior knowledge of archaeology. It will introduce students to some of the main fieldwork, scientific and interpretive methods involved in practical archaeology. Students will use the University's extensive classics and archaeology collection to develop their practical skills and knowledge about how we can record and interpret the past from archaeological data.
Note: The tutorials are organised according to four ‘blocks’ (each approx. 3 hours duration): surveying; fieldwork (simulated excavation); artefact analysis; and study of standing monuments.
Intended learning outcomes
Students that successfully complete this subject will:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the main skills, methods and techniques involved in practical archaeology
- Appreciate the broad range of conceptual and practical skills required in the field of practical archaeology
- Develop research skills, analytical techniques and interpretative processes involved in practical archaeology
- Engage critically with the scholarship, theory and methods involved in the field of practical archaeology
- Approach all activities involved in practical archaeology with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values
- Work effectively, in groups and independently, to undertake key tasks in practical archaeology
- Understand the nature of archaeological evidence and the requirements of undertaking archaeological fieldwork
- Communicate effectively archaeological findings both orally and in writing
- Initiate, plan, implement and evaluate archaeological fieldwork practices.
- Develop skills in collecting, handling and processing archaeological data in a manner that reflects contemporary professional and specialist practice in archaeology
- Employ a wide range of technical and research skills involved in practical archaeology
- Investigate, synthesise and analyse issues in Australian archaeology, cultural heritage management, conservation and professional archaeological practice and be able to apply this knowledge to a wide range of practical situations
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Four short exercises
| Throughout the teaching period | 30% |
An assignment
| Week 2 | 30% |
A report
| 3 Weeks after the end of teaching | 40% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend 75% of tutorial classes or at least three of the four tutorial blocks. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five working days, no late assessment will be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Dates & times
Not available in 2023
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 22 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject readings will be available on line
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Classical Studies and Archaeology Major Ancient World Studies Specialisation (formal) Classical Studies and Archaeology - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 22 November 2023