Handbook home
Practical Archaeology (ANCW30023)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
Fees | Look up fees |
---|
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 who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- 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
- Work effectively, in groups and independently, to undertake key tasks in practical archaeology
- Communicate effectively archaeological findings both orally and in writing
- 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
- Approach all activities involved in practical archaeology with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate concepts, beliefs, considering multiple perspectives, and supporting evidence
- Communicate effectively in writing and synthesis an argument in cogent form
- Evaluate the impact of social, ethical, and cultural contexts
- Acquire greater confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems
- Reflect on the communication conventions of another culture
- Conduct independent research and effectively manage information
Last updated: 9 February 2025