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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2023 - 2024

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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture4444 1 hour lectures, 4 hours per week
Assignment Completion15Gobbit
Class Presentation25Seminar presentations on the student’s research project
Field Trip36On site visits to current excavations and important medieval sites.
Assignment Completion45c.3,500 word essay based on student research
Assignment Completion100c. 5,000 word paper based on student's research project
Independent Study25Independent 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%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
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

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