Maritime Archaeology (ARC3112)

Staff
Credit Value	15
ECTS Value	7.50
NQF Level	6
Pre-requisites	not done ARC2112
Co-requisites	none
Duration of Module	Term 2: 11 weeks;

Module aims

This module aims to educate students in the archaeological study of boats in their context, with an emphasis on studies from the UK and western Europe. It will develop a critical understanding of the theoretical basis of this field of study, specific methods and techniques required for underwater and coastal research, changing design of boats through the prehistoric and early historic periods and, an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of boats in prehistoric long-distance exchange and the use of boats as funerary monuments. Fieldwork in the Exe estuary, where a shipwreck will be recorded, aims at implementing the lessons learned in a realistic context.

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. Know the key features of the development of maritime and coastal archaeology, and the range of theoretical perspectives from which this archaeology is interpreted; understand both the distinctive character of methods and techniques used; understand the types of boats and their changing designs; understand the context of prehistoric, Roman and medieval maritime archaeology and critically appreciate the wider, socio-political, economic and religious roles of boats in the past.
2. evaluate critically the kinds of complex datasets commonly encountered in maritime archaeology
3. be adept at handling data based on unusual methods and techniques
4. assess the presentation of maritime and coastal archaeology to the public

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

5. research a wreck guided by the module convenor using their own initiative
6. understand and interpret archaeological information from a range of sources
7. organise such information synthetically in order to evaluate critically key thematic issues
8. show intellectual flexibility

ILO: Personal and key skills

9. teamwork, self-reflect on progress within a co-operative group environment; learn from peers, both giving and receiving constructive criticism

Syllabus plan

Introduction to maritime and coastal archaeology: methods, techniques, ethics and theoretical frameworks; Prehistoric and early historic boats: principles of design; Archaeology of prehistoric boats; Archaeology of Roman boats; Archaeology of Medieval boats; Integrated approaches I: the role of boats in prehistoric long-distance exchange; Integrated approaches II: the boat as burial monument; Fieldwork: record and interpret the remains of one designated shipwreck in the Exe estuary .

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	14	Lectures (7x2hr)
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	5	Fieldtrip
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	2	Seminars (2x1hr)
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	1	Tutorial

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
40	60	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Assignment	40	2000 word	1-9	mark and written comments
Exam	60	1.5 hour	1-9	provided on request by module tutor

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Assignment	Assignment	1-9	ref/def period
Exam	Exam	1-9	ref/def period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Clark, P. 2003. The Dover Boat. London: English Heritage. Crumlin-Pedersen, O. 1997. Viking-age Ships and Ship-building in Hedby/Haithabu and Schleswig-Holstein. Roskilde: Viking Ship Museum. Greenhill, B. 1995. The archaeology of boats and ships: an introduction. London: Conway Maritime Press. Hutchinson, G. 1994. Medieval Ships and Shipping. Leicester: LUP. McGrail, S. 1987. Ancient boats in North-West Europe. The archaeology of water transport to AD 1500. London: Longman. McGrail: 2000. Boats of the World. Oxford: OUP Millett, M. and McGrail, S. 1987, The archaeology of the Hasholme boat. Archaeological Journal144: 1-68. Milne, G. 1985. The Roman Port of London. London: Batsford Milne, G., C. McKewan & D. Goodburn 1998. Nautical Archaeology on the Foreshore. Swindon: RCHME. Van de Noort, R. 2004. The Humber Wetlands: the Archaeology of a Dynamic Landscape. Windgather Press, esp. chapter 5 Van de Noort, R. 2004. An ancient seascape: the social context of seafaring in the Early Bronze Age. World Archaeology37. Wright, E.V. 1990. The Ferriby boats: seacraft of the Bronze Age. London: Routledge. and see the International Journal for Maritime Archaeology

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes