ARCH3208 Underwater and Coastal Archaeology

Dr James Hunter

2013

4.5

1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly

9 units of second level ARCH topics

ARCH3005 has been successfully completed

The topic introduces students to aspects of seafaring from the earliest watercraft to shipwrecks of the 20th Century. Issues covered include evidence about Bronze Age trade, the changing technology of ship-building, the shipwreck as time capsule, submerged harbour works in the Mediterranean and underwater cultural resource management. Archaeological evidence from all parts of the world over the past five thousand years will be used to examine subjects such as technological change, transportation, exploration, international trade, culture and seafaring sub-cultures.

The primary aim of the topic is to introduce students to the material aspects of archaeology in the underwater environment as well as in coastal and inter-tidal settings.

More specifically, the topic aims to:

explore some of the ways that humans have interacted with and exploited coastal regions as well as rivers and lakes using archaeological evidence
examine seafaring from the earliest watercraft to shipwrecks of the 20th Century
address the nature of archaeological evidence about:
- Bronze Age trade
- the changing technology of ship-building
- submerged harbour works and drowned cities as well as issues like the shipwreck as time capsule
- underwater cultural heritage management
- underwater archaeological displays in museums
address issues such as:
- technological change
- transportation
- exploration
- international trade
- culture and seafaring sub-cultures

On completing this topic students will have:

developed the skills associated with verbal presentations within a seminar context
gained an understanding of the theoretical approaches to archaeology underwater
demonstrated an understanding of the history of the practice of underwater and coastal archaeology throughout the world
demonstrated an appreciation of the place and role of maritime archaeology in the interpretation of maritime sub-cultures and culture in the wider context

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2013 are no longer published.

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