AY3008: SUBMERGED ARCHAEOLOGY: DISCOVERING AND MANAGING LOST LANDSCAPES (2014-2015)

Course Aims: To provide students with a critical understanding of the submerged landscape and archaeology of the British Isles and of their contribution to the archaeology of the early settlement of Northern Europe and the northern Hemisphere.

Main Learning Outcomes:
1. An understanding of the mechanics of sea-level change at the start of the Holocene
2. An understanding of the mechanics of site submergence
3. An understanding of the methodology of submerged archaeological studies
4. Critical analysis of the way in which submerged archaeology may exist around the coasts of the British Isles.
5. An understanding of submerged archaeology around the world.
6. An understanding of the measures used to study and manage the submerged archaeological resource (archaeological techniques, Scottish and UK legislation, management accords and guidelines).
7. Critical analysis of the future of the resource.

Content: General Introduction Background - previous studies and history of the discipline Relative sea-level change around Scotland, Mechanics of site submergence and survival, Techniques for the study of submerged sites and landscapes Management of submerged sites and landscapes: threats, fragility and archaeological potential Current national and international legislation Current national and international guidelines Submerged archaeology worldwide and in the UK - a general overview with special emphasis on key sites, and on-going projects There will be an emphasis on inter-disciplinary work in the geo-sciences

This course may NOT be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with KL 305N.

This course is taught using web conferencing (ie familiarity with computer and a broadband connection are necessary).

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View AY3008 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); two written reports focussing on critical review of a) the resource and b) management issues (30%) Resit: Marks from continuous assessment to be carried forward (50%); 1 two-hour written exam (50%)

Sessions involve an element of group discussion of questions posed in the course workbook. These discussions enable students to test their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

As the course is delivered flexibly, and students are not present in person, most formative feedback is done by e mail exchanges with the course tutor or programme co-ordinator . Formal feedback from the summative assessments is given in the form of an annotated copy of the student’s work and a detailed written critical review feedback sheet; in class tutorial feedback is given verbally. The schedule for feedback is such that students have summative feedback before they need to submit their next piece of work.

None.