Module overview
This fifteen credit module will introduce you to the theoretical, ethical, logistic, technical and legislative issues that have to be addressed if the theory and practice of archaeology are to be successfully applied in the investigation of sites underwater and/or in the coastal zone. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the logistical aspects of excavation strategy, as well as the equipment and techniques necessary for search, survey, excavation and recording underwater and/or in the inter-tidal/coastal zone. The course includes practical sessions on excavation and aspects of recording (see below). Non divers can participate on an equal footing to divers through alternative or associated activities related to recording and project supervision. This module is designed to underpin practical training and fieldwork, thereby complementing the more thematic approach explored in the first Semester Core Unit: ‘Maritime Aspects of Culture’. Assessment involves completing a portfolio of work that reflects the current requirements of applied maritime archaeology work in a professional context.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Undertake independent research in the above areas in the execution of a field survey
- Evaluate a maritime site and design a survey strategy
- Identify appropriate methodologies matched to site type, materials and condition
- Produce plans and other forms of output with the data from the above techniques
- Apply a variety of survey methods including data collection and processing
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Undertake post- fieldwork data processing, including object recording
- Identify the organisational, logistic and managerial processes necessary to ensure successful fieldwork
- Define the strategies, procedures and techniques of excavation and recording in the intertidal zone and underwater
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of specific case studies.
- Explain the ethical frameworks within which responsible maritime archaeological fieldwork is carried out
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Plan, design and implement data collection and presentation.
- Learn and apply new practical and theoretical skills
- Produce academic/commercial standard reports and presentations
- Evaluate different research strategies
Syllabus
Terrestrial methods:
- Total Station, RTK GPS,
- Drone AAV,
- Photogrammetry
- Laser Scanning
- Traditional hand survey
Underwater Methods
- 3D recording
- Photography & Video
- Traditional hand survey
- Excavation, airlift, water dredge
Archaeological Illustration
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Practical workshops
- Student presentations
- Discussion seminars
- Fieldtrips/Fieldwork
Learning methods include:
- Directed learning through lectures/seminars
- Guided practical instruction
- Independent practical survey work
- Completion of portfolio items
- Use of online resources
- Use of library resources
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 14 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Demonstration | 10 |
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Completion of assessment task | 50 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Follow-up work | 10 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Journal Articles
Adams, J. (2002). Excavation methods under water. Encyclopaedia of Historical Archaeology, pp. 192-196.
Bingham, B., Mindell, D., Wilcox, T & A. Bowen (2006). Integrating precision relative positioning into JASON/MEDEA ROV operations. Marine Technology Society (MTS) Journal, 40(1), pp. 87-96.
Singh, H., Adams, J., Mindell, D. & Foley, B. (2000). Imaging Underwater for Archaeology. Journal of Field Archaeology, 27(3), pp. 319-328.
Tomalin, D., Simpson, P. & Bingeman, J. M. (2000). Excavation versus sustainability in situ: a conclusion on 25 years of archaeological investigations at Goose Rock, a designated historic wreck-site at the Needles, Isle of Wight, England. IJNA, 29(1), pp. 3--42.
Ferrari, B. & Adams, J. (1990). Biogenic modification of marine sediments and their influence on archaeological material. IJNA, 19(2), pp. 139-151.
Firth, A (1993). The Management of Archaeology Underwater. Archaeological resource management in the UK: An Introduction.
Foley, B., Adams, J., Piechota, D., Giangrande, C. (2000). The Discoveries of ancient history in the deep sea using advanced deep submergence technology. Deep-Sea Research, 1, pp. 1591-1620.
Textbooks
Bowens, A. (ed.) (2008). Underwater Archaeology: The NAS Guide to Principles and Practice. Oxford: Blackwell.
Ransley, J., Sturt, F., Dix, J.K., Adams, J. & Blue, L. (2013). People and the Sea. A Maritime Archaeological Research Agenda for England. York: English Heritage/Council for British Archaeology.
Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee (1993). Still at Sea.
Green, J. (2009). Maritime Archaeology, a Technical Handbook. London: Academic Press.
Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee (1998). Code of Practice for Seabed Developers.. int Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee/RCHME.
Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee (1989). Heritage at Sea: Proposals for the Better Protection of Archaeological Sites Underwater. London: JNAPC/National Maritime Museum.
Adams, J. (2013). A Maritime Archaeology of Ships. Innovation and Social Change in Medieval and Early Modern Europe. Oxford: Oxbow Books.
Muckelroy, K (1978). Maritime Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Informal feedback will provided throughout the module via lectures, practicals, seminars, workshops and tutor supervision. Detailed and constructive written feedback will be given for all assignments submitted.
The module assessment revolves around the application of maritime archaeological thinking and techniques, to real-world situations. Students will select five portfolio outputs from a given list (example below), and complete the tasks required over the duration of the course. The portfolio tasks will comprise a mixture of written and practical elements to demonstrate analysis, and the application of techniques. Some of the tasks will be based upon field trips to appraise archaeological sites, while others will be based on objects/artefacts held within the archaeology department. Where practical, diving work will be included in a manner that assesses archaeological output, not diving technique.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 60% |
| Group presentation | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 60% |
| Presentation (Case study) | 40% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 60% |
| Presentation (Case study) | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External