As you watch archaeolgists at work on a 'dig', do you wonder: how do they know where to look, what are they looking for, and how do they look?

This innovative and fascinating course will cover a wide spectrum of the methods and techniques used in modern archaeology, including the history and development of archaeology. You will have the opportunity to investigate a number of "virtual sites" world-wide, exploring ancient ruins and the re-creation of sites. You will have ample opportunity to research on selected individual projects.

From the very beginnings of human occupation of sites right through diverse time periods, we will investigate and examine our ancestors’ way of living through material remains. It is by analysing these sites of past habitation that we may learn and understand our own cultural past and what it means to us today.

From traditional methods, such as field walking and artefact recognition, right through the spectrum to aerial photography, satellite remote sensing and virtual computer reconstruction, you will discover and unravel the exciting mysteries of the past.

Outline

In this 11 week course you will cover:

Week 1: Introduction - Getting started

To introduce students to the meaning and ideas of archaeology, to gain an insight to its origins.

Week 2: Chronology of Archaeology

To be aware and have an understanding of the periods of archaeology, and the workings of the controlling bodies.

Week 3: Fieldwork and recording

Introduction to pre and post excavation techniques, how sites are formed and methods.

Week 4: Excavating and reporting

Interpretation of site work, recording techniques, non destructive archaeology and report writing including an introuduction to the use of computers in archaeology.

Week 5: Dating and scientific applications

To demonstrate the importance of methods of period dating in arcaheology, such as radiocarbon and dendrochronology (tree ring dating).

Week 6: The Computer and archaeology

How scientific and computer applications assist archaeology in reconstructing sites and in report writing. The Internet will be used to demonstrate how these applications are used.

Weeks 7: The Computer and archaeology part2

Using data sets from archaeology sites, using examples already developed, studenst will understand how we can re-create sites form the past.

Week 8: Creating a site Report

From pre developed data, and using the Internet, students will be able to observe how we can create virtual sites and how to apply the resulting information to practical use.

Week 9: Project work

Using examples of previous project work demonstrate how to write projects, including insertion of data sets and illustrations. Legislation of archaeology will also be covered.

Weeks 10&11: The End Game

A complete succinct overview of the course, including any project information and finally discussion on where archaeology is going next.

Who should take this course?

This course is aimed at anyone who has a general interest in archaeology or ancient history, whether as a personal interest/hobby, or as a future professional archaeologist.

There are no entry requirements apart from some basic IT skills.

Follow on

This is an excellent core module which students can use as a base to enrol on further archaeology/history courses and to enrol in Higher Education programmes at their local colleges or universities.

Howard is also developing further courses for the New Curiosity Shop which will be available later in 2006.

You will need

Browser:
PC: Netscape version 4.5 and above, Internet Explorer 5 and above
Mac OS: Netscape version 4.5 and above, Internet Explorer 5 and above, or Safari. Browser must be set to enable cookies.

Firefox also works a treat.

Other browsers should work as well: enrol on the free Fire Balloon course if you are unsure.

Plug-ins: Flash Player and Quicktime.

Network connection: 56K modem minimum.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

How long is this course?

About duration hours, and we suggest you set aside about 4 hours week - but it's up to you!. You will have tutor support for ***months*** months. You wil have access to your course for a year.

Your tutor

Your tutor for this course is

Howard Middleton-Jones

. You can find out more about her on the Tutors page.

Further information

Read a leaflet for this course

 

Do you have any further questions? Visit our Contact Us page and ask away.