Module overview
The landscapes and seascapes of Britain play host to one of the world’s most varied and intriguing archaeological records. With an occupational history spanning one million years, it tells a complex inter-twined story of social, physical and environmental change. In this module you will not only learn the specifics of Britain's archaeological past, of the societies that created Stonehenge and the Mary Rose, but also how as archaeologists we read it from our surroundings. Through fieldtrips, lectures and seminars you will explore the narrative of Britain, from the end of the Cold War to the Palaeolithic. In our analysis we will move out beyond the land, to consider the role of maritime activity and its influence on society. By the end of this module you will have honed your practical and theoretical knowledge of the archaeological record, and your ability to communicate that knowledge.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Interpret archaeological features on an Ordnance Survey map, air photo etc.
- Appreciate the links between geological and archaeological patterning
- Observe and interpret archaeological features in the field
- Understand local landscapes, for example Hampshire and the Solent Channel, in terms of wider sequences and patterns
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Be able to critique and evaluate information and ideas (in relation to understanding of land- and seascape)
- Analyse landscape settings in terms of their constituent parts
- Understand ideas of pattern and process
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The basic landscape types and monument classes of British archaeology
- The basic chronology of British prehistory and historic archaeology
- Some of the conceptual/theoretical issues in landscape and maritime archaeology
- Make connections between those sequences and patterns and underlying historical processes
- Some of the practical techniques of landscape and maritime archaeology
- Describe basic sequences and regional/geographical patterns in landscape and seascape
Syllabus
This module will introduce you to some of the basic patterns and processes underlying the varied landscapes and seascapes of the British Isles. A central ‘spine’ of lectures will cover basic issues of chronology and regional variation, and introduce conceptual issues such as the relationship between geology and the formation of the archaeological record. There will be strong emphasis on field trips and the field experience, and the use of field study in familiarising students with the archaeological landscapes and seascapes of the British Isles. The intended outcome of the course is for students to be able to go back to their local landscapes, to look at an air photo or a map, and to have acquired the ability to understand what they observe in terms of wider archaeological and historical sequences and processes, even where their background knowledge of locality is limited.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Field trips
The Field Visits are an integral part of this module.
In accordance with the University’s commitment to inclusivity, we welcome applications onto this course module from students with disabilities. If you have a disability and wish to discuss in confidence any issues relating to your application for this module, please contact the module convenor Kristian Strutt at kds@soton.ac.uk.
Learning activities include
- Background reading
- Preparation of a learning journal
- Essay preparation
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 36 |
| Follow-up work | 30 |
| Completion of assessment task | 30 |
| Wider reading or practice | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Bradley, R. (2000). An Archaeology of Natural Places. London: Routledge.
Williamson, T. and Bellamy, L.. Property and Landscape. Sutton.
Hunter, J. and Ralston, I. (eds) (2002). The Archaeology of Britain from the Palaeolithic to the Industrial Revolution. London: Routledge.
Glasscock, R. (ed.). Historic Landscapes of Britain From the Air. Cambridge University.
Fox, Sir C. (1947). The Personality of Britain. National Museum of Wales.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Learning journal
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Comments will be provided via a response to the blog post by a course leader/tutor. This will provide formative feedback pertinent to the second assignment
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 20%
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 40% |
| Essay | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External