This course introduces students to the key practical skills and theoretical approaches required to engage with archaeological artefacts and museum collections as assemblages. It supports the development of skills in artefact recording, analysis and reporting through evaluation of research strategies, data collection, graphic presentation, evaluation and independent reporting on artefact assemblages.

4x1hr lectures, 4xhrs seminars 9x1hr workshops, 2hr external visit, 1 hr project supervision over 10 weeks as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Archaeology and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

ARCH4021

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2500 words) - 50% 

■ Assemblage Study Report (2500 words) - 50% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to key theories and practices concerning archaeological and museum objects as assemblages and to key contemporary issues in the field.

■ Enable students to record and work with archaeological artefact assemblages, archives and materials, including those from museums, active and legacy excavation projects as well as avocational work.

■ Explore how object-based and assemblage knowledge is generated in archaeological professional practice and then used to inform contextual and situated understandings in the past and present.

■ Develop students' knowledge and understanding of research surrounding artefact assemblages and support students in developing as critical and independent thinkers and researchers.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify applicable standards, conventions, legal and ethical practices in the study of archaeological artefacts and materials.

■ Apply theoretical approaches (e.g. post-colonialism, new materialist and relational approaches) to conventional archaeological practice, legacy assemblage and collection studies.

■ Apply research strategies to assemblages, including the creation of quantitative and descriptive reports and catalogues, designing appropriate scientific analysis and graphical presentation, and ongoing collection care strategies.

■ Recognise how knowledge is generated from artefact assemblages reflecting their diverse contexts and sources.

■ Students will be able to display some independent skills in artefact assemblage analysis.