Students
AHIS3306 – Field Methods of Archaeology
2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Susan Lupack
25 WW, B158
By appointment
Convenor
Karin Sowada
By appointment
|
|---|---|
| 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 examines the methods and techniques used by archaeologists in a variety of field contexts to identify, recover, analyse and interpret their data. In addition to basic archaeological skills, we will also address the key elements involved in designing archaeological field projects, the ways in which theoretical approaches to archaeological work shape the outcomes of fieldwork, and the essential role of disseminating archaeological data to the professional community and the public. The aim is to provide of an active understanding of both basic and more advanced archaeological skills and the development of strategies for the study of sites and the recovery and processing of archaeological data, whether via survey, excavation or post-excavation study. |
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: Deploy knowledge of the principles of archaeological excavation and survey.
- ULO2: Analyse archaeological features and artefacts (e.g., architecture, pottery, stone).
- ULO3: Communicate effectively with others regarding strategies for excavation of an archaeological site.
- ULO4: Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- ULO5: Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce a critical analytical report
General Assessment Information
GENERAL INFORMATION: Rubrics and other guidance for the Assessments will be posted on our iLearn site and discussed in class.
To complete the unit successfully you need a minimum mark of 50% overall, and all assessment tasks must be attempted.
F / FA: 0-49% P: 50-64% CR: 65-74% D: 75-84% HD: 85-100%
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS: Please always let one of us know ahead of time if you are having difficulty completing an assessment or if you will not be able to attend one our weekly sessions. It's just good for us to know what is going on with you.
Please note: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – ten (10) 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 (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON MARKS:
Grading decisions for each assessment task will be moderated against the set criteria and standards before task results are released.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeological Site and Artefact Illustration | 30% | No | 23:59 12/9/2021 |
| Online Quizzes | 30% | No | 23:59 31/10/2021 |
| Research Grant Application | 40% | No | 23:59 7/11/2021 |
Archaeological Site and Artefact Illustration
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 23:59 12/9/2021
Weighting: 30%
Skills-based assessments produced using Adobe Illustrator and Lightroom.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Deploy knowledge of the principles of archaeological excavation and survey.
- Analyse archaeological features and artefacts (e.g., architecture, pottery, stone).
- Communicate effectively with others regarding strategies for excavation of an archaeological site.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce a critical analytical report
Online Quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 23:59 31/10/2021
Weighting: 30%
Quiz will consist of multiple choice or true/false questions that focus on the content of the lectures, textbook, and practicals
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Deploy knowledge of the principles of archaeological excavation and survey.
- Synthesize and communicate acquired knowledge and understanding to produce a critical analytical report
Research Grant Application
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23:59 7/11/2021
Weighting: 40%
Using the information provided in class, write a grant proposal (including a budget) convincing a grant review panel that you should receive the requested funds to perform an archaeological project
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Deploy knowledge of the principles of archaeological excavation and survey.
- Analyse archaeological features and artefacts (e.g., architecture, pottery, stone).
- Communicate effectively with others regarding strategies for excavation of an archaeological site.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the archaeological data
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
Delivery
The majority of the teaching time and in-person practical work will occur during your selected three-hour block of time, either Thursdays 1-4 (23 Wally's Walk, 105) and Fridays 9-12 (25 Wally's Walk, A211). In some weeks, and definitely for the first time we meet, we will gather at the designated classrooms. But often we will meet at the place where our work will take place, for instance at the MARS pit or at the DigiLab. The locations for each week will be indicated on our iLearn site, and I will send out Announcements to remind everyone. Each week we will start off with a talk about the day's activities, and then we will proceed to those activities. (You may notice that there is also a one-hour online lecture scheduled for Thursdays 11-12. We will only use that time if necessary.)
Please note that AHIS3306 is listed by Macquarie as a mandatory on-campus unit, and therefore our fieldwork will likely go forward as planned. Nonetheless, changes and adjustments might be necessary, and, as always, we ask for your patience and understanding!
Resources
Main Texts:
These texts are available online through our Macquarie Library system, and you are not required to purchase them. However, you may want to get a hard copy for yourself. The first text by Burke, Morrison, and Smith, is the one I would recommend if you were going to get one of them.
- Burke, H., Morrison, and M., Smith, C. 2020. The Archaeologist's Field Handbook: The Essential Guide for Beginners and Professionals in Australia, 2nd edition, Routledge.
- Balme, J., and Paterson, A. 2014. Archaeology in Practice, Malden, Oxford.
Supplemental Readings: We will also assign or recommend supplemental readings whenever we find an article or chapter that particularly supports our focus for that week.
Dig Kit: You will need to purchase a gridded lab notebook for use as a journal while in the field and a pair of white cotton gloves for handling ancient artefacts in the lab and the museum. You will probably also like to have your own work gloves (although we will have some pairs available), and maybe knee pads if you feel this will make you more comfortable. Dig tools will be provided; however, if you are planning on doing archaeology again, it would be a good investment for you to put together a dig kit of your own. You might want to purchase, for instance, your own trowel (WHS or Marshalltown is best). Optional items include a compass, a tape measure (in centimetres), a line level, a hand lens, a ruler, and a paintbrush (all available at Bunnings).
UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
This unit will use the iLearn system (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/) to communicate with the students, so you will need access to a computer and a good internet connection. Basic computer and word-processing skills are also required. We will also be using Adobe software as part of a new Adobe Innovation project for this unit, which is very exciting. You should all have access to the Adobe suite of products - please make sure to download them onto your computers!
Unit Schedule
Please see our iLearn site for our weekly schedule.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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
The previous version of this unit was taught by Yann Tristant. The new convenors are Susan Lupack and Karin Sowada, who are creating new material and new assessment tasks.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook