Students
AHIS3302 – Laboratory Methods of Archaeology
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Associate Professor Ronika K. Power
Contact via Contact via email
Room 113, Level 1, 25B Wally's Walk
By appointment; Contact via email
Carla Raymond
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(AHIS190 or AHIS1300) and 20cp at 2000 level
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers the range of laboratory principles and methods used in archaeology for the description, analysis and critical appraisal of artefacts, features and sites. Through theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations in on-campus laboratories, students learn how the different experts involved in an archaeological project carry out laboratory analyses and artefact studies on archaeological sediments, items of material culture, and plant, human and animal remains using scientific approaches (for example, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, Electron microscopy, Gas chromatography, etc). |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- ULO2: Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- ULO3: Communicate with other team members about strategies for study and analysis of archaeological objects
- ULO4: Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- ULO5: Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- ULO6: Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
General Assessment Information
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UNIT
To complete the unit successfully you need a minimum mark of 50% overall. You must attempt every piece of assessment or university policy requires that a zero grade be given.
GRADES:
F: 0-49% P: 50-64% CR: 65-74% D: 75-84% HD: 85-100%
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS - PENALTY
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON FINAL MARKS
Please note with respect to the marks you receive for work during the session: that the marks given are indicative only; final marks will be determined after moderation. See further the note on Results in the Policies and Procedures section below.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quiz 1 | 20% | No | Week 4 (18/08/20) |
| Research Essay | 30% | No | Week 7 (11/09/20) |
| Online Quiz 2 | 20% | No | Week 10 (13/10/20) |
| e-Portfolio | 30% | No | Week 13 (06/11/20) |
Online Quiz 1
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 4 (18/08/20)
Weighting: 20%
Answer 10 short questions based on the seminar content and readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 44 hours
Due: Week 7 (11/09/20)
Weighting: 30%
Your answer to the essay question should demonstrate extensive use of primary and secondary sources. Your essay should be based on an analysis and discussion of primary (ancient) sources. Secondary literature should be used to aid you in your analysis and interpretation of the ancient sources and to place your interpretation within the context of previous scholarship. All opinions included in the essay, whether quoted directly or paraphrased, should be referenced according to the standard guidelines for the Department of Ancient History.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Communicate with other team members about strategies for study and analysis of archaeological objects
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
Online Quiz 2
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 10 (13/10/20)
Weighting: 20%
Answer 10 short questions based on the seminar content and readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
e-Portfolio
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 13 (06/11/20)
Weighting: 30%
Working individually, produce a short multimedia piece. This piece provides an opportunity to express your learning experience in a personalised, creative way.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of of the principles of archaeological techniques and methods in a laboratory-environment
- Apply knowledge of archaeology while participating in scientific practical experiences
- Analyse archaeological features and materials (pottery, architecture, metal, bone, and ivory objects) at an advanced level
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce critical analytical reports
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Consult the Unit's iLearn site for weekly updates on delivery and resources.
Unit Schedule
Consult the Unit's iLearn site for weekly updates on the Unit Schedule.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
Due to Special Circumstances, the Assessment Strategy and Schedule for this Unit has been changed from its previous offering. These changes include the withdrawal of Preparation and Participation and Class Test items, and the introduction of an e-Portfolio multimedia piece.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 13/07/2020 | 1) The schedule of assessment tasks has been edited to appear in calendar order; 2) Duplicated text has been removed from the assessment section. |