ARCH2106 Archaeological Field Methods

2020

4.5

5 x 8-hour field trips per semester

9 units of first year ARCH topics

One of the great joys of archaeology is participating in fieldwork: not only is it fun, but it is also very important because it is where the majority of our original data ultimately come from. This topic provides students with critical skills necessary to participate in archaeological field work not only in Australia but anywhere in the world. It aims to bridge the gap between 'formal' archaeology lectures and 'hands on' field archaeology and hence is focused around practical, skills-based exercises. Students will learn about surveying, mapping, illustration, excavation, navigation and much more.

This topic aims to:

• introduce students to field observational skills

• introduce students to field note taking skills

• introduce basic archaeological site surveying techniques

• introduce basic archaeological fieldwork recording skills

• assist students to develop basic skills in reading, understanding and interpreting site plans

• assist students to develop basic skills in map reading, understanding and interpretation

• develop students' ability to work successfully in a group

On completion of this topic students will be able to demonstrate:

• basic field observational skills

• basic field note taking skills

• familiarity with, and basic competency in, archaeological site surveying techniques

• familiarity with, and basic competency in, archaeological fieldwork recording skills

• basic skills in reading, understanding and interpreting site plans

• basic skills in map reading, understanding and interpretation

• the ability to work successfully in a group