SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY - KEY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will introduce students to the concept of material culture and show how objects are used to interpret the past. It will show how interpretations of the past often rely on single objects to evoke complex times, places and themes, and how these can be affected by our own biases. The course will focus on archaeological objects and landscapes in Orkney and pay particular attention to the material culture of Orkney’s Stone Age.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

Students with no archaeological background are advised to attend KL 1059 / KL 1559.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 1558.

Overview

The first part of the course will provide a chronological review of the types of sites to be found in Northern Scotland and their current interpretation. Concepts of chronology will be studied and the importance demonstrated of comparative study with other areas. Finally, there will be a study of how sites may appear and survive in different land-use regimes. The second part of the course consists of practical field training in identifying sites of different types.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials and a full-day excursion.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004, in the first half-session as KL 1059.

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the study of Archaeology and is aimed at those with no knowledge of the subject. It will provide an introduction to the scope of archaeology, and will introduce students to the history and organisation of the subject as well as looking at the range of archaeological techniques.


6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials and a full-day excursion.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

20 credit points from Archaeology courses in Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 155A.

Overview

Introductory sessions will assist students to identify appropriate Scottish archaeological projects which they can join over the summer, and brief them on the requirements for the submission of an Archaeology Fieldwork Portfolio based on their participation in such projects. Subsequent sessions will assist them in developing techniques of archaeological recording and presentation including finds illustration, drawing plans, and photography.
4 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
Practical exercises (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

20 credit points from Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses or equivalent.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 255F.

Overview

The course will include lectures on the development of the discipline of mediaeval archaeology and will include sections on: rural mediaeval archaeology, the archaeology of the mediaeval church (cathedrals, parish churches, religious houses and Episcopal residences), the castle archaeology of Scotland (early castles - 1100-1330 and later castles 1330-1700), the archaeology of mediaeval burghs and mediaeval material culture.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

20 credit points from Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses or equivalent.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course will explore the range of evidence for life in Scotland between c. 800 BC and c. AD 700 - a period that saw such significant changes as the advent of iron-working, the impact of the Roman army and the beginnings of Scottish Christianity. Northern Scotland is particularly rich in surviving remains from this period, and students will be encouraged to visit archaeological sites and museums to consider the evidence at first hand. The course will assess the reliability of interpretations by investigating the techniques and approaches used by archaeologists and historians. While the focus of the course will be on Scotland, developments will be placed in their wider contemporary context.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

20 credit points from Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses or equivalent.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course will investigate the archaeology of Scotland from the mid-18th century to the present day, including industrial activity, the development of transport networks and the growth of towns and cities. With an emphasis on Northern Scotland, the course will contrast industrial activity in the Central belt with the changes in fishing and farming in the North. Students will be encouraged to contrast and compare field evidence and documentary sources to consider particular industrial activities and the relationships between raw materials, finished products, markets and the landscape.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 10/155A Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio 1.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 205K.

Overview

The course supports students in preparing for the submission of a portfolio based on attendance at one or more archaeological projects. The portfolio topic and the specific project(s) on which the portfolio is based must be approved in advance by the course tutor, and approval will depend on the portfolio proposed being clearly distinct from any work submitted for any previous fieldwork portfolio course. In the portfolio submitted, students will be expected to demonstrate competence in recording techniques by including illustrations of finds, plans and photographs, as well as a critique of the projects which have been attended. The seminars which support the course are designed to enable students to display in their portfolio work more advanced presentation and editorial skills.
4 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary.
Fieldwork Portfolio (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

20 credit points from Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course explores the nature of the archaeological heritage resource and the framework for its protection and management in local areas of northern Scotland. Different types of heritage presentation will then be examined through case study and study visits chosen to:- a) encourage wider understanding of the issues affecting the preservation of the archaeological heritage and those of conservation versus access; b) explore how heritage sites and collections can enhance intellectual access by recreational visits and contribute to a locality’s economy and tourist potential. Students will be encouraged to undertake directed study projects on topics relating to heritage sites or museum collections in their local area. The sites visited and studied will be determined by the locality where the course is taught.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 1059 / KL 1559 Introduction to Archaeology or KL 1058 / KL 1558 Archaeological Identification: Prehistoric Scotland.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course will cover the use of documentary, map and aerial photographic sources to research archaeological sites and areas. It will provide a basic understanding of fieldwork prospection techniques including fieldwalking, geophysical survey, and ground-based radar.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials and a full-day excursion.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 1 assignment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 205D / KL 255D Archaeological Methods and Techniques: Prospection.

Overview

This course will provide an introduction to the principles and methodologies of Non-destructive recording, excavation and post-excavation analysis. Recording by a watching brief conducted on development projects in a rescue archaeology context will be included. Lectures from specialists will be contributed.
6 fortnightly classes of one and three quarter hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 1 assignment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

Students with no Archaeological background are advised to attend KL 1059 / KL 1559 or KL 1059 / KL 1558.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 205R.

Overview

This course covers the period from the late Iron Age up to and including modern industrial archaeology. The first part of the course provides a chronological review of the types of sites to be found in Scotland from the BC/AD transition to the 20th Century and includes a study of how sites may appear and survive in different land use regimes. The second part of the course consists of practical field training in identifying sites of different types.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials and a full-day excursion.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

80 credit points from Archaeology courses in the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 3050.

Overview

The course will develop an understanding of Scottish Archaeology as a social science. It will treat the impact upon archaeological scholarship of dominant theories within anthropology, history and philosophy and introduce students to the themes of cultural relativism, evolutionism and neo-evolutionism, environmental determinism, functionalism, structuralism and symbolic analysis. A comparative approach, making reference to World archaeological traditions and ethnographic parallels will broaden the students' appreciation of principles of social inter-action and cultural change as reflected in the archaeological record.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

80 credit points from Archaeology courses in the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 3551.

Overview

The course will provide a grounding in current methods used to conserve archaeological artefacts. It will describe the types of artefacts likely to be encountered during an excavation, and the methods and materials used to conserve them in situ, on site and in the conservation laboratory. It will encompass the treatment of artefacts from the range of different environmental conditions encountered in Scottish Archaeology.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 205K / KL 255K Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio 2.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 3052.

Overview

The course supports students in preparing for the submission of a portfolio based on attendance at one or more archaeological projects – these can be field or museum based. The portfolio topic and the specific project(s) on which the portfolio is based must be approved in advance by the course tutor, and approval will depend on the portfolio proposed being clearly distinct from any work submitted for any previous fieldwork portfolio course. In the Portfolio submitted, students will be expected to demonstrate competence in recording techniques by including illustrations of finds, plans and photographs, as well as a critique of the projects which have been attended. The seminars which support the course are designed to enable students to display in their portfolio work more advanced presentation and editorial skills than was required for Fieldwork Portfolio 2.
4 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary.
Fieldwork Portfolio (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

240 credit points from courses in Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies of which 60 credit points must be at level 2 or above and include KL 3050 / KL 3550 Archaeological Theory.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 3553.

Overview

The course will begin with guidance on developing an archaeology dissertation proposal, on keeping a research diary, on using a word processor for organising notes and producing drafts, on referencing, on the preparation and presentation of maps, illustrations and diagrams in dissertations and on writing dissertations. Subsequent group sessions will enable students to share and discuss dissertation proposals and to assist each other in developing draft plans. Individual tutorials are given at the following stages: following the submission of the initial outline dissertation proposal and following the submission of the final detailed plan.
4 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours and 2 individual supervision tutorials – times may vary.
3 assignments of which one will be the agreed Dissertation Proposal (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course covers the period from the full Bronze Age to the Picts, examining the elements of evidence for the nature of culture and settlement in the north-east in the last 1500 years BC and the first few centuries AD. It will include the pattern of Bronze Age settlement; development of Bronze technology and range of tools, weaponry and items of conscious display; increase in defensive activity; climatic change and effects on the economic basis of life in Grampian; the Roman interlude and response of the north-east; emergence and coalescence of Celtic groupings; emergence of Pictish identity through the study of Pictish art symbols and distribution patterns.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course covers the prehistory of Orkney from roughly 4000 BC to AD 500, from the earliest settlement, through the Neolithic, Bronze and early Iron Ages, up to the advent of written historical sources. Case studies of selected archaeological sites, varied in period, type and purpose, present the characteristics of each period, with an emphasis throughout on the wider themes of continuity and change, internal and external diffusion of ideas and technology, and human impact on the landscape.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

In British terms, North East Scotland is particularly rich in archaeological monuments dating from the arrival of the first farmers in the 4th millennium BC up to the symbol stones of the Picts of the 5th to 9th centuries AD. Within this chronological framework, the course will treat the archaeology of the N-E in a thematic manner, looking at the possible purpose and function of the field monuments, their methods of construction, and what their presence tells us about their builders. Themes covered will include: the impact of farming, settlements and house types, burial and ritual monuments, the introduction of metal working, defensive sites, art and adornment.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

Of all the peoples in Dark Age Scotland the Picts remain the most elusive, yet from the 6th to the 9th centuries AD they were the dominant political and cultural force in Northern Scotland. Recent advances in archaeological and historical research have removed much of the uncertainty, which has shrouded the Picts, to reveal instead a complex picture of a dynamic vibrant culture. The aims of this course will be to explore, in the light of recent research, the development of the Pictish kingdom from the Roman period until the merger of the Pictland with the Scottish kingdom in the mid 9th century. It will examine evidence for its historical evolution, organisation, material culture, religion, and relations with neighbouring peoples through exploration of documentary sources, archaeological remains, sculpture and place names. Particular attention will be paid to this evidence as it exists in the particular area of Northern Scotland in which the course is to be taught.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course will explore the nature of the saga, both as history and as literature, in dealing with the founding of the Norse earldom; Earl Sigard and Earl Thorfin, and the extent of Norse power in Scotland; the introduction of Christianity; Saint Magnus’ Sainthood; Saint Rognvald and Orkney’s 12th century Renaissance; Sweyn Asleiffson; Harald Maddadsson and relations with Scotland and Norway. It will also investigate Norse institutions and the nature of Norse society in saga times. Emphasis is placed on the student developing skills in handling the saga and other sources in a critical way.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will cover the evolution of society in Skye and the surrounding area from the likely arrival of the earliest inhabitants c 8000 BC to the period c 1000 AD. Typical sites from each period will be studied, and the implications of place-name evidence assessed. Recent surveys will be used in conjunction with pollen data analyses to try to build up a picture of the effect of the activities of these early inhabitants on the evolution of the vegetation and scenery of Skye.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The rich range of Caithness monuments, from early prehistory to the late Viking period, will be the focus of detailed examination in this course. Site visits will be followed by comparative study, with complementary material from other parts of Scotland and from further afield being used to help build up a picture of the daily life, political system and social organisation of the early peoples of Caithness.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 305C / KL 355C Scottish Archaeology: Archaeological Resource Management.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will begin with aspects of current archaeological theory as a basis for decision-making in the field. It will also consider research strategies and methods. This will lead on to exploring how archaeological projects are designed and managed. The course will include lectures contributed by project managers and academic archaeologists concerning the interface between theory and practice.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 1 assignment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 205J / KL 255J Archaeological Methods & Techniques: Recording & Analysis.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The first part of this course will consider why archaeological features might be conserved and interpreted. The values for society of sites and monuments within the wider heritage, beyond the evidence they may provide for past activities, will be explored. An outline of legal and organisational frameworks will also be provided. In the fieldwork, students will examine how in practice sites, monuments and landscapes can be managed and interpreted.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 1 assignment (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

The course will examine the physical evidence for the spiritual and temporal roles of the Church in mediaeval Scotland from the introduction of reformed Cluniac monasticism in the later 11th century until the Protestant Reformation in the mid 16th century. Areas of study will range from parish churches and chapels, through friaries and collegiate churches, to major monasteries and cathedrals, analysing structural evidence, material evidence, and considering the value of contemporary documentary sources for both.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour written exam (40%) and 2 assignments weighted equally (60%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the second half-session as KL 355E.

Overview

The diversity of monument and artefact types which distinguish the Neolithic age in Grampian from the rest of Scotland will be examined in detail in the context of the themes Landscape and resources - internal and external connections; Monumentality and ritual - tombs and ceremonial sites; Settlement and subsistence - the adaptation to farming. The adoption of metallurgy in the middle of the third millennium will be the subject theme Beakers and Bronze axes - the impact of new technology.
6 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary. Private study with learning support materials.
1 two-hour examination paper (40%) and 2 assignments (60%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 3051 / KL 3551 Principles of Archaeological Object Conservation.

Overview

This residential course will be based in Aberdeen using the resources of Marischal Museum. It will offer opportunities for students who have successfully completed the principles of Archaeological Object Conservation course to develop their practical skills so that they can successfully assist this aspect of the work of archaeological excavations.
4 one-hour lectures, 5 two-hour seminars and daily practice sessions.
Lab notebook and practical report equally weighted (100%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

40 credit points in Archaeology courses from the Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies programmes of courses.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

This course will study the history of the archaeological illustration of artefacts, the variety of techniques employed and the conventions in use today. There will be a large practical component covering the production of preliminary scaled pencil drawings of artefacts as well as the preparation and presentation of drawings for publication and exhibition.
4 one-hour lectures, 5 two-hour seminars and daily practice sessions.
3 sets of drawings (80%) and 1,500 word illustrated report (20%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

20 credit points from courses in Scottish Archaeology or KL 103L / KL 153L Scotland’s Natural Environment.

Notes

This course is not available in session 2003/2004.

Overview

A one-week residential Summer School held in the University Field Centre in Bettyhill. Students are introduced to the techniques of peat sampling and pollen analysis, construction of a pollen diagram and its interpretation. Those attending the course will then visit a range of prehistoric monuments in the area with a view to looking at them in light of the inferred vegetation and climate prevailing at the time of their construction. The course will involve field visits and microscope work.
4 one-hour lectures, 5 two-hour seminars and daily practice sessions.
Practical exercises (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

240 credit points from courses in Scottish Archaeology or Scottish Cultural Studies of which 60 credit points must be at level 2 or above and include KL 3050 / KL 3550 Archaeological Theory and KL 3053 / KL 3553 Archaeology Dissertation: Introduction.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 4054.

Overview

This course will enable students to apply the guidance they received and skills they developed in Archaeology Dissertation: Introduction. Group sessions will enable students to share and review research work carried out over the summer, to assist each other in developing preliminary drafts of their dissertations, to develop editing skills and to provide training in oral presentation of research work. Individual tutorials are given to review the dissertation plan following research work carried out over the summer, and the review critically the preliminary draft of the dissertation.
Dissertation (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr Donald Paterson

Pre-requisites

KL 3052 / KL 3552 Archaeological Fieldwork Portfolio 3 and KL 3050 / KL 3550 Archaeological Theory.

Notes

This course is available in session 2003/2004 in the first half-session as KL 4051.

Overview

The course supports students in preparing for the submission of a portfolio based on attendance at one or more archaeological projects – these can be field or museum based. The portfolio topic and the specific project(s) on which the portfolio is based must be approved in advance by the course tutor. Approval will depend on the portfolio proposed being clearly distinct from any work submitted for any previous fieldwork portfolio course. Building on Portfolios 2 and 3, Portfolio 4 will put more emphasis on a critical appreciation of the nature of archaeological fieldwork. Students will be expected to consider a fieldwork project within the broader framework of the history and theory of archaeology, discuss the roles of participants in the project and consider alternative approaches to fieldwork methodologies.
4 fortnightly classes of one-and-a-half-hours – times may vary.
Fieldwork Portfolio (100%).