Methods of Field Archaeology II

Instruction is comprised of a theoretical and practical introduction to archaeological excavation techniques.

Lectures will be given on natural scientific methods of analysis and an introduction to preservation techniques. A materials course is part of the instruction. Central topics will be morphology and raw materials, material type, condition, decomposition and conservation.

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills):

Knowledge:
The candidate has
- supplementary knowledge of archaeological artefacts, production methods, morphology and raw materials, types of materials, condition, decomposition and conservation
- basic knowledge of the most common methods of archaeological field practice, methods of excavation and documentation, scientific analysis and testing, preserving cultural remains, as well as an overview of the practice and regulations of Norwegian cultural heritage management in connection with archaeological excavations

Skills:
The candidate has acquired
- skills to recognize and date archaeological artefacts, in the field, as well as differentiate between natural and man-made artefacts and structures
- experience with the most common forms of archaeological field practice, methods of excavation and documentation, as well as handling of archaeological artifacts and scientific tests in the field

Instruction consists of lectures, material course and field course integrated into the master's course ARK3320.

In order to be able to sit the exam, students must attend a minimum of 75 percent of the lectures on theory, and a minimum of 75 percent of the fieldwork. Be aware that exam questions can be given from the compulsory lectures and fieldwork. The exam consist of a written assignment of maximum 3500 words and a written exam of 6 hours. Both parts must be passed in the same term and there will be given one grade only. If one failes, both the assignment and the written exam must be completed again in the same term.

The course design and execution will depend on the exact number of students in the course. Students must therefore register for this course prior to December 1.