Excavation methods

Undergraduate course

ECTS credits
10
Teaching semesters
Autumn
Course code
ARK216
Number of semesters
1
Teaching language
Autumn. The course is offered irregularly.
Resources
Schedule

Course description

Objectives and Content

Aims and content

This course provides a classroom-based introduction to archaeological fieldwork. Students learn about the history of fieldwork methods in archaeology, about how a modern excavation is carried out (from the choice of site to recording standards), and about post-excavation work. For more information, also read the course content description at

Temaomtalar arkeologi | Arkeologi | UiB

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have achieved the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Students will

  • Have acquired basic knowledge on the historical development of fieldwork methods
  • Understand how recording works in the field, and why it is necessary
  • Understand health-and-safety measures taken in the field
  • Have gained an insight into routines and methods of post-excavation analysis

Skills

Students will

  • Be able to produce different kinds of records (written, drawn etc.)
  • Be able to analyse data and present it visually

General competence

Students will

  • Have shown their ability to develop practical skills and research skills, and will have used these in the preparation of a report
  • Have demonstrated active engagement in group work

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Place of Instruction

UiB
Required Previous Knowledge
The student has completed all specialisation courses at 100-level in Archaeology.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Good knowledge skills in English.
Access to the Course
The course is available to all students enrolled in the Bachelor´s program in Archaeology at AHKR, but has a limited number of places. The course is not open to Master´s students. The course is optional.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and seminars with group work. Teaching takes place in the second half of the semester.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

The student must attend 3 out of 4 practical seminar sessions. The student must also complete four practical assignments.

Mandatory instructional activities are valid in the subsequent semester.

Forms of Assessment

The exam consists of a written assignment of no more than 1500 words. The assignment takes the form of a scientific report.

The exam assignment will be given in Norwegian and/or English.

The exam can be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading Scale
Pass/ fail
Assessment Semester
Spring / autumn. An examination is offered in the teaching-free semester following the course for those students who have successfully completed the obligatory practice assignments in the course of the teaching semester
Reading List
The department compiles a reading list of around 500 pages. The literature list will be available on the 01.07. for the autumn semester and on the 01.12. for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
Students will evaluate the teaching they receive in line with UiB's quality control systems.
Examination Support Material
Not applicable.
Programme Committee
Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion
Course Coordinator
The Faculty of Humanities / the Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion hold administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.
Course Administrator
Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion

Course description

Contact information

studierettleiar@ahkr.uib.no
Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion