Studying at York
Introduction to Archaeological Science - ARC00006C
Module summary
Archaeological science is an exciting and rapidly growing area of archaeology, and is revealing new information about the past, as well as informing current heritage practices. In this module we will explore how archaeological science helps us to understand past cultures, drawing on case studies from around the world.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module aims to:
- Demonstrate how archaeology uses a range of techniques adapted from the physical, biological and earth sciences to better understand the human past, by examining case studies from around the world
- Introduce some of the most recent and exciting scientific methods employed in archaeology and provide background information on techniques students may later wish to study in greater detail
- Enable students to access and assess published scientific research
- Provide some hands-on experience with examining archaeological material
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the range of science-based techniques applied in archaeology
- identify and locate appropriate scientific literature
- appreciate the potential and limitations of the major science-based techniques for exploring archaeological questions
- read research papers in 'science-based archaeology' with greater confidence and to understand the major implications of the research
Module content
This module will be taught through lectures by specialists in the relevant fields, with each week focusing on a different archaeological science technique or theme, such as scientific dating, human and animal bones, ancient DNA, isotopes and residue analysis. This module will also assist students in reading, understanding and evaluating archaeological science articles, as well as providing hands-on experience with archaeological materials. Students will undertake a series of seminars surrounding accessing and reading academic scientific articles and will write an essay which explores how different scientific methods can be applied to an archaeological topic. Workshops will give students the opportunity to handle bones and other archaeological samples under the direction of experts in the field.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
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
Richards, M.P. and Britton, K. eds., 2020. Archaeological Science: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
Renfrew, C. & Bahn, Paul G, 2016. Archaeology: theories, methods and practice 7th ed., London: Thames & Hudson.
Gokcumen, O. and Frachetti, M., 2020. The Impact of Ancient Genome Studies in Archaeology. Annual Review of Anthropology, 49.