Studying at York
Practical Skills: Artefact Analysis - ARC00001I
Module summary
This module aims to provide an exciting introduction to the world of artefacts or ‘small finds’ analysis. Over the term, you will learn some of the key skills in describing, recording, identifying, and interpreting objects.
Artefact identification is an important ability for any archaeologist to have, and there is a growing need for specialist expertise, while training in detailed observation and precise measurement/recording is a highly transferable skill.
Related modules
A directed option - students must pick a Practical Skills module and have a choice of which to take (one in Semester 1)
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The Practical Skills modules seek to introduce you to a range of skills in various diverse areas of archaeological practice and are designed to allow you to gain experience in a 'hands-on' manner.
This specific module aims to:
- Introduce key concepts and techniques in the recording, identification, and interpretation of archaeological artefacts
- Empower students to discuss different archaeological materials with confidence and to identify appropriate forms of analysis
- To introduce students to the potential and limitations of artefact analyses within archaeology.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able:
- Demonstrate an awareness of how to observe, measure, research, and record to a professional standard, the key features of an artefact previously unknown to them
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to Identify and date a wide range of commonly encountered archaeological objects from across time and space.
- Apply the methods and techniques they have learned to identify different artefact types and interpret them
Module content
Using archaeological materials, reproduction objects, published reports and online resources, you will become familiar with a range of artefacts, and with the process of recording. We will look at objects of different materials (e.g. bone, stone, glass, iron, copper alloy, leather) and types (e.g. jewellery, weapons, coins), from different time periods and places (prehistoric, Roman, medieval and later). By the end of the module, you will be familiar with a wide range of objects from across time and space, but more importantly, you will have the skills necessary to begin to research any unidentified object that you come across.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Students will work week by week towards their summative assessment during their activities in class.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: written feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Caple, C. 2006. Objects: reluctant witnesses to the past. London: Routledge.
Finds Research Group 1999, 2008. Datasheets Vols I and II. York: Finds Research Group.
Leahy, K. 2018. Finds Identified: Portable Antiquities Scheme. Greenlight Publishing.