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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "ARCH 202"
COURSE NAME: "Archaeological Excavation and Methodology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session II 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Inge Hansen
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TBA
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Taught off-campus
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is an on-site, practical introduction to the methods and techniques of archaeological excavation and interpretation. On-site training and seminars led by specialists provide students with a well-rounded overview of the methods of stratigraphic excavation and recording, of artifact and environmental studies, and of archaeological research and interpretation.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:


Taught off-campus at the Alberese Archaeological Field School in Tuscany (Italy). July 18-August 12, 2016

See www.johncabot.edu/alberese



The course provides students with firm practical experience of stratigraphic archaeology and methods of recording, and introduces them to related fields and methodologies. This forms the basis for a well-grounded understanding of the techniques of identifying, contextualizing and interpreting archaeological data. The course encourages students to consider the results in a historical and regional context, and hence to develop a good comprehension of archaeological research approaches.

The course combines training in on-site excavation and material culture studies, with seminars and lectures. Seminars and on-site lectures will consider specialized topics like the Harris matrix, finds studies and artifact assemblages, the history of the region, and considerations of the ancient economy. Visits to neighboring sites and museums are encouraged in order to contextualize the archaeological results and encourage considerations of developmental histories.

The course forms part of a Research Project that investigates international exchange networks and settlement patterns in Roman central Italy between the mid-Republican period and late Antiquity. As well as the Rural Villa under investigation, the project also encompasses a series of related excavations: a temple sanctuary dedicated to Diana, a river port, and an extensive workshop complex.

The primary components of the course are:

·      Training in stratigraphic excavation methods. Subjects covered include excavation methods and their application, analysis of built structures and archaeological features, context analysis, and introduction to surveying, environmental studies and landscape archaeology.

·      Training in archaeological recording methods. Subjects covered include recording methods for archaeological contexts and finds, handling stratigraphic information, drawing features and structures, and electronic surveying.

·      Introduction to artifact studies. The study of the excavation data is contextualized by considerations of artifact recording, handling and studies for a nuanced approach to the excavation data.

·      Consideration of other archaeological sites. The course may be complemented by visits to other archaeological sites and museums for a contextual archaeological and historical understanding of the excavations.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of archaeological methods and approaches, a firm introduction to the interdisciplinary aspect of the field, and a good appreciation of archaeological research methods.

·      Students will gain familiarity with the terminology and methodologies of archaeological excavation, material culture studies and surveying, as well as with methods of data recording and illustration.

·      They will develop a critical appreciation of the approach and scope of archaeological interpretation, and an understanding of the inherent interdisciplinary approach of this.

·      They will attain a contextual understanding of the excavations through introductions to aspects of material culture studies, history and environmental studies.

·      They will acquire an awareness of developmental histories of other sites in the area through the possibilities of visits to archaeological sites and museums.

 

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Details of project-specific publications can be found on the JCU website---www.johncabot.edu/alberese    
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A full bibliography for the course will be provided at the start of the course---- 

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
JournalA daily written record detailing and analyzing the work carried out and evaluating the skills learnt30%
Two oral presentations (15% each)Two 10-minute presentations on the archaeological features and characteristics of the area or trench in which you have worked30%
Practical workThe evaluation of your work performance will consider all aspects of your participation on the course: quality of work, ability to meet deadlines, contribution to the smooth running of the project, willingness to share observations, attendance and conduct40%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
ASuperior work directly addresses the question or problem raised; provides a coherent argument displaying a firm knowledge of relevant information; demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate technique and approach; and has an element of originality.
BGood work is highly competent; directly addresses the question or problem raised; demonstrates some ability to critically evaluate technique and approach and relate them to practice; and discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of instructions given.
CSatisfactory work provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered; it may have some significant structural flaw, absence of information or other background, or too casual and imprecise a treatment, or contain only a minimum of interpretation.
DPoor work lacks a coherent grasp of the material; fails to support its argument with sufficient evidence; indicates a hasty or unconsidered preparation, and/or fails to fulfil the assignment in some way; omits important information and includes irrelevant points.
FFailure work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised; most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
All scheduled classes / working days are mandatory.

You must always be punctual; late arrival will be noted and may affect your final grade.

Please dress appropriately to weather and work conditions, as well as to the health and safety regulations provided.

Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.

No video or audio recording of the class is permitted.


ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

COURSE SCHEDULE

Thematic approach

Each week of the course is characterized by a thematic emphasis that will provide a firm understanding of the composite disciplines that archaeological excavations draw on.

Content

The specific content of each week will necessarily be dictated by the archaeological needs of the excavations and the characteristics of the site. Hence, the project directors and site supervisors will instruct you in the particular work needed.

Lectures

Lectures by specialists may be conducted as presentations or as practical learning experience. Lectures will be held during the normal working day. The format of lectures will be tailored to fit the nature and characteristics of the season’s results. Hence, timing will be communicated in due course.


Week 1           Introduction to archaeological method

Introduction to the site and its excavation history. Considerations of location and of surrounding landscape and environmental features. Introduction to practical archaeological excavation.

Training in basic stratigraphic methods. Instruction in how to identify and distinguish diverse contexts.
    Handling of excavation tools (pickaxe, shovel, wheelbarrow, trowel, sieves, etc).
    Preliminary context recording (written record, sketch, photograph).

Visit to the Archaeological Museum at Grosseto.
    Examination of finds from the excavations of the Alberese Archaeological Project as well as from the Etrusco-Roman city of Rusellae.
    Consideration of the museological and display approaches at a modern, regional museum


Week 2           Stratigraphic excavation I

Development of skills of excavation process and methodology.
    Advancement of understanding of stratigraphy.
    Training in archaeological recording: written context sheet, drawn plan and section, photograph.
    Introduction to finds handling and off-site processes. Basic identification of objects and materials; preliminary finds recording.

Possible Saturday visit:  archaeological sites of Rusellae and Vetulonia
    Exploration of the Etrusco-Roman city sites and their urban topographies.
    Investigation of landscape details and environmental changes over time, introduction to historical context and site development histories.
    Considerations of the presentations of archaeological parks, and of the museological and display approaches at a local, site-specific museum


Week 3           Considerations of finds types and assemblages

Developed stratigraphic excavation.
    Advancement of skills of excavation process and methodology, and of on-site finds recording and analysis.
    Considerations of materials, object types and distribution for the understanding of the archaeological sequence.
    Confidence in archaeological recording: written context sheet, drawn plan and section, photograph.

Possible Saturday visit: archaeological site at Cosa
    Investigation of the Roman colonial city of Cosa and its public monuments.
    Examination of historical context and commercial trade networks.
    Consideration of the presentation of the archaeological park and the museological approach in a site-specific ‘antiquarium’ museum


Week 4           Archaeological recording and documentation

Development of skills and methods of archaeological recording.
    Considerations of contextual recording need, choices of recording forms, and of the effective academic communication of site data.

Advancement of skills of excavation process and methodology.
    Advanced understanding of stratigraphy, and ability for archaeological recording: written context sheet, drawn plan and section, photograph.
    Considerations of phases of site development, of environmental factors and impact of historical events

Discussion of the interpretation of the site and of the overarching archaeological results.
    Production of a Harris Matrix for the site.