Module overview
This course aims to give students a sound introduction to the way archaeology is carried out underwater.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Synthesise data from a variety of sources and present it in oral as well as written form
- Make connections between those sequences and patterns and underlying historical/physical processes
- Describe basic sequences and site types appropriate to Maritime Archaeology
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the archaeological potential of submerged landscapes, structures and other cultural material
- Museum display of maritime material can work
- site types, environmental factors, methodology and current research in this field
- detailed knowledge of key sites
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand ideas of pattern and process in the maritime sphere
- Be able to critique and evaluate information and ideas from a variety of sources
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand the interaction between terrestrial and maritime archaeology.
- Appreciate the importance of presenting the heritage to the public
- Observe and interpret archaeological feature relevant to Maritime Archaeology
- Understand the different sorts of environments that Maritime Archaeologists work within
Syllabus
The module begins by looking at the development of underwater research and the sites on which the most significant formative work was carried out. This brings us to current theoretical perspectives and to the way in which archaeological sites in the coastal zone are managed and protected (or not). The way underwater sites are managed and researched concerns methodology. A look at current marine geophysical methods of searching for sites and assessing the seabed will lead to considering how underwater sites are formed and the techniques used for their excavation and recording. This cannot be done without due consideration of the associated problems of recovering and conserving waterlogged material. In the light of these techniques, the archaeological potential of some of the major site types is considered, i.e. ships (wrecks, graves, abandonments), harbours and anchorages and settlements. The module concludes by looking at the current situation in deepwater archaeology where technology has dramatically increased access, and as a result the threat to the archaeological resource.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Classes
- Field trip*
*‘Participation on this trip/field visit is not a formal requirement of the module, though you are strongly encouraged to attend wherever possible.’
In cases of the latter kind, the Module Outline should include a note to the following effect:
Learning activities include
- Background reading
- Essay preparation
Innovative or special features of this module
This module brings together expertise in pre-historic and historical archaeology, as well as technology studies, geomorphology, geophysics and oceanography.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 105 |
| Teaching | 45 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Adams, J. (2002). Maritime Archaeology. Encyclopedia of Historical Archaeology, pp. 328-330.
Gibbins, D. & Adams, J. (2001). Shipwrecks and maritime archaeology. World Archaeology, 32(3), pp. 279-291.
Pulak, C. (1998). The Uluburun shipwreck: an overview. IJNA, 27, pp. 188-224.
Blue, L. (2003). Maritime Ethnography: The Reality of Analogy. Boats, Ships and Shipyards, Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium of Boat and Ship Archaeology, Venice 2000, pp. 334-338.
Adams, J. (2001). Ships and boats as archaeological source material. World Archaeology, 33(2), pp. 292-310.
Blackman, D.J. (1982). Ancient Harbours in the Mediterranean. Part I & II. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 11(3), pp. 185-212.
Textbooks
Babits L. (1998). Maritime Archaeology. A Reader of substantive and theoretical contributions. New York: Plenum.
Greenhill, B. (1995). The Archaeology of Boats and Ships: An Introduction. London: Conway Maritime Press.
Milne, G. (2003). The Port of Medieval London. Stroud: Tempus.
Gamble, C. (2001). Archaeology: The Basics. London: Routledge.
Delgado, J. P. 1997 (ed.) (1997). Encyclopaedia of Underwater and Maritime Archaeology. London: British Museum Press.
Hourani, G. F (1995). Arab Seafaring in the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Medieval Times. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Rupe, C. V. & Barstad, J. F. (2002). International Handbook of Underwater Archaeology. New York: Plenum Press.
McGrail, S. (2002). Boats of the World. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gould, R. (2000). Archaeology and the Social History of Ships. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Rule, M. (1983). The Mary Rose. London: Conway Maritime Press.
Dean, M., Ferrari, B., Oxley, I., Redknap, M., Watson, K. (eds) (1992). Archaeology Underwater, The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice. London: Nautical Archaeology Society.
Milne, G. (1985). The Port of Roman London. London: Batsford.
Muckelroy, K. (1978). Maritime Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Johnson, M. (1999). Archaeological Theory. An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell.
Hornell, J. (1946/1970). Water Transport. Origins and Early Evolution. Cambridge.
McGrail, S., Blue, L., Kentley, E & Palmer, C. (eds.) (2003). Boats of South Asia. London: Routledge.
Casson, L. (1994). Ships and Seafaring in ancient times. London: British Museum Press.
Adams, J. (2003). Ships, Innovation and Social Change. Aspects of carvel Shipbuilding in Northern Europe 1450 – 1850. Stockholm: University of Stockholm.
Staniforth, M. & Hyde, M. (eds) (2001). Maritime Archaeology in Australia: A Reader. Blackwood: Southern Archaeology.
Bass, G. F. (ed.) (2005). Beneath the Seven Seas. London: Thames and Hudson.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessed written tasks | 30% |
| Essay | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External