Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2021 - 2022

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Archaeology is an essential source for the study of Medieval Irish history (c.500-c.1500AD). The results from excavations provide rich evidence for past societies in a period when traditional historical sources are incomplete. In particular, the lives of everyday people can be reconstructed from their material remains. Landscape archaeology, which examines the distribution of ancient sites, elucidates often obscure contemporary references to settlement. The history of the Early Medieval church, for example, is enhanced by examining the monastic ruins that dot the Irish landscape. The aim of this course is to introduce students to basic archaeological techniques and the key discoveries that have contributed to our knowledge of the past: Deer Park Farms ringfort; the Derrynaflan hoard; Viking Dublin, Bective Abbey, Trim Castle, rural medieval settlement, etc. Students will acquire the ability to apply archaeological findings to their own historic research. The course will include field trips to archaeological excavations, field monuments and museum collections.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the nature of ‘primary’ source material, as the term applies to archaeological information.
2. Engage critically with secondary and primary source matter.
3. Comprehend and analyse the underlying philosophy behind archaeological methods and practice.
4. Deploy appropriate research methods and methodologies for analysing published archaeological reports and for creating original projects..
5. Identify, pursue and complete an original piece of research based on primary data. .
6. Convey the essential of a primary research project in a formal presentation.
7. Engage in self-directed learning by specialising in areas of personal interest.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	44	44 1 hour lectures, 4 hours per week
Assignment Completion	15	Gobbit
Class Presentation	25	Seminar presentations on the student’s research project
Field Trip	36	On site visits to current excavations and important medieval sites.
Assignment Completion	45	c.3,500 word essay based on student research
Assignment Completion	100	c. 5,000 word paper based on student's research project
Independent Study	25	Independent study
Total Workload: 290

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
The nature of historical evidence and archaeology as a source for historians Sources for the study of medieval archaeology Excavation techniques, stratigraphy and publication Methods of scientific dating – radio-carbon dating and dendro-chronology Environmental archaeology: archaeozoology and palaeobotany Case studies in Irish medieval archaeological excavations The Archaeological Survey of Ireland and online resources Case studies in Irish Medieval archaeological survey Field trips Student presentations

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

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