Students
AHPG811 – Archaeological Practice
2015 – S1 Fieldwork
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Coordinator
Kenneth Sheedy
Contact via ken.sheedy@mq.edu.au
X5B 341
Lecturer
Danijel Dzino
Contact via danijel.dzino@mq.edu.au
W6A 506
by appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Students may apply to undertake archaeological fieldwork at an approved excavation. A list of available excavations is published each year on the department of ancient history’s website. The website also provides details on how to obtain a position on these excavations and how to obtain the Dean’s waiver in order to enrol in this unit. Students wishing to excavate in MQ-led projects in the following regions should contact the appropriate MQ staff member: Egypt: Professor N. Kanawati, Associate Professor B. Ockinga or Dr. Y. Tristant; Italy (the site of Carsulae): Dr J. McKenzie Clark; Croatia (the site of Bribirska glavica): Dr V. Ghica; and Israel (the sites of Tell Azekah and Jerusalem): Dr K. Keimer and Dr G. Davis. Students may also enrol in the following excavations run by other organizations: Spain (Sanisera Field School in Menorca), Turkey (site of Antiochia ad Cragum), and Greece (site of Argilos). Details of these excavations (and contact addresses) can be found on the website. Before enrolment students must consult firstly with the excavation directors or their representatives and then with the unit coordinator (Assoc. Prof. K. A. Sheedy). Places on excavations are often very limited. Those interested in this unit are asked to plan well ahead.
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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:
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Acquire the skills to apply the various archaeological practices and methods in use at their site.
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
General Assessment Information
The criteria and standards for grading.
This information is additional to that noted in the Assessment Tasks. It is intended to help you understand the assessment process.
Participation in excavation. Students must carry out their assigned tasks on the excavation or fieldwork project. They should demonstrate an ability to understand, learn and execute the various skills essential to these tasks. They should use their initiative to actively support the myriad but essential activities needed to run a successful excavation.
Journal. Students should document their ongoing involvement in the various activities of the excavation. As a postgraduate student they should demonstrate an ability to appreciate the various aims and strategies of the excavation and, in relation to the director's plans, understand their own role as an active contributor.
Presentation. Students should demonstrate a knowledge of the goals and strategies of the excavation. They should provide a clear account of their contribution to the fieldwork. They should highlight their own reaction to this experience.
Research Essay. Your unit coordinator or MQ excavation director coordinator will set an essay with its immediate aims. Postgraduate students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the theoretical and methodological concepts which underlie excavation as an archaeological enterprise.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Participation in excavation | 40% | 15 June |
| Journal | 20% | 15 June |
| Presentation | 10% | Week 12 |
| Research Essay | 30% | 5 June |
Participation in excavation
Due: 15 June
Weighting: 40%
Students are required to participate in the excavation for the full period they have nominated on enrolling (a period which must be approved by the director of the excavation). They are required to undertake all of the duties which have been allocated to them by the director or supervising staff during the excavation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Acquire the skills to apply the various archaeological practices and methods in use at their site.
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Journal
Due: 15 June
Weighting: 20%
Students are required to maintain a journal which documents their participation in the activities of the excavation. This journal should record their day to day work, together with (where appropriate) a brief evaluation of their tasks. It might also include any other information or thoughts that the student believes relevant to their excavation experience. The journal should contain no more than 800 words per day. It may be submitted as a book or in electronic form.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Presentation
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%
A seminar day will be arranged for all participants to give a 15 minute paper, followed by a 5 minute question time (or the speaker may speak for 20 minutes without questions). Each student is ask to present a brief account of their site and then to outline the work which they undertook. Where numerous students have worked at the same site the MQ staff member who has supervised their participation will help coordinate these presentations.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Research Essay
Due: 5 June
Weighting: 30%
Students on completion of the fieldwork are required to write a 3500 word (not including footnotes) essay on a topic related to their fieldwork. The topic is to be discussed and agreed with the MQ supervising staff member of the excavation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Delivery and Resources
RESOURCES
Please consult your excavation director or fieldwork coordinator for resources relevant to your particular excavation. The excavation will normally provide all equipment needed in the field.
Excavation
You must consult with your MQ excavation supervisor regarding the tasks you will be doing on excavation and the technology involved in your work.
Technology and Resources at MQ
The unit has an iLearn page which can be accessed at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/. PC and Internet access are therefore required. Basic computer skills (e.g. internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Please consult your MQ excavation supervisor regarding any particular technology and resources relevant to your studies.
Recommended Reading
Depending on the area of excavation, the student may be required to obtain a copy of a standard archaeological textbook. As an introduction the student might consult J. Balme and A. Paterson (eds), Archaeological Practice: A Student Guide to Archaeological Analyses (ISBN: 978-0-470-65716-4) 2013, Wiley-Blackwell. Please contact the MQ supervisor of your chosen excavation.
Assignment Submission
Assessment 2 (Journal) may be submitted electronically or in hard copy. Electronic copies must be submitted via iLearn. Hard copies must be delivered to the relevant MQ excavation supervisor (please make an appointment).
Assessment 3 (Presentation). The date and place of the presentation will be provided by your MQ excavation supervisor. Students would normally offer a Powerpoint presentation.
Assessment 4 (Research Essay) must be submitted electronically via iLearn.
Assignment Extensions
Extensions for assignments can only be granted for medical reasons or on compassionate grounds. Without documentation (medical or counselling certificates) or prior staff approval, a penalty of 2% a day, including weekends, will be applied. If required, applications for extensions should be made before the assignment's due date.
NB You should always keep a copy of completed tasks in case of loss.
SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF UNIT
Students must attend the excavation of their choice for the full period of their participation. This period of time will be determined in consultation with your MQ excavation supervisor at the time of enrollment. Failure to complete the full period of participation may result in disqualification from the unit unless there are satisfactory medical or compassionate grounds.
Students must achieve an overall mark of 50% or above to complete the unit satisfactorily.
Unit Schedule
The unit schedule will vary between archaeological sites attended but will in all relevant respects follow the assessment tasks:
1. Prior to attendance at excavation - participation at meetings convened by the MQ excavation director or supervisor.
2. Participation in the excavation
3. On return from excavation
a. submission of journal
b. group presentation
c. research essay
See the assessment tasks list for the dates of submission or presentation.
Learning and Teaching Activities
Finding an archaeological project
Participating in the excavation
Researching the literature on the project
Presenting research findings
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of 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/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, 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.
Health and Safety
All students are expected to have read the following Risk Assessments policies:
- http://staff.mq.edu.au/human_resources/health_and_safety/travel_safety/
- http://staff.mq.edu.au/human_resources/health_and_safety/travel_safety/travel_to_high_risk_countries/
Each excavation has been asked to fill out a Notification & Risk Assessment Form (Terrestrial Fieldwork). You should be aware of this document (ask your director if you have not seen it). You should be aware of all information relevant to medical emergencies.
If you are participating in an excavation which is not run by Macquarie University or where there is no Macquarie University supervisor it is necessary that an 'Onsite Hazard Checklist' be filled out. Please contact the Unit Coordinator to obtain this form.
Insurance
To go an excavation you must be registered with ‘Customer Care’:
http://staff.mq.edu.au/human_resources/health_and_safety/travel_safety/
the MQ register pass is: 9311chubb
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 improve your marks and take control of your study.
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
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Acquire the skills to apply the various archaeological practices and methods in use at their site.
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Assessment tasks
- Participation in excavation
- Journal
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Acquire the skills to apply the various archaeological practices and methods in use at their site.
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Assessment tasks
- Participation in excavation
- Journal
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Acquire the skills to apply the various archaeological practices and methods in use at their site.
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Assessment tasks
- Participation in excavation
- Journal
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to identify the key drivers in planning an excavation
- Acquire the skills to apply the various archaeological practices and methods in use at their site.
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Assessment tasks
- Participation in excavation
- Journal
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Assessment tasks
- Participation in excavation
- Journal
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to analyse the effectiveness of different excavation strategies and techniques in the context of their chosen fieldwork
- Develop analytical and interpretative skills in research at an advanced level.
Assessment task
- Participation in excavation