SS1103 – Introduction to Archaeological Excavation
2 Week Course-SS103-(6ECTS or 3US Credit Hours)
This two week introductory course will teach you some the practicalities of archaeological excavation and provide you with some hands-on experience of the key techniques relating to excavation. This programme is generally aimed towards undergraduate students of archaeology and anthropology, who usually take the course for credit, but the course is open to all and can be taken by anyone with an interest in archaeological fieldwork.
Module Description
This module is designed to provide students with a clear introduction to archaeological excavation. It will detail the varied methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site, whilst providing practical experience of at least one of those methods in the field.
✓ Duration: Two weeks, including middle Saturday.
✓ Available academic credits: 6ECTS / 3 US credit hours
✓ Who should apply: This module is ideal for beginners, for anyone with an interest in the past and archaeological excavation.
The module will also train students in a number of basic necessary skills, including:
- grid establishment and use
- trowelling techniques
- artefact recovery and recording
- sampling methodology
- context recording
- planning and photography
- This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.
Assessment (for those seeking academic credit):
- Attendance at, and participation in, all scheduled fieldwork, field class and lectures
- Completion of a Learner’s Journal (daily entries, Introduction and Conclusion, illustrations)
Field tuition in the following:
- Site layout
- Cutting preparation
- Trowelling techniques
- On-site sample processing
- Artefact recovery
- Feature excavation
- The recording system
- Use of the automatic level
- Context sampling
- Excavation photography
- Context recording
- Section and profile drawing
- Plan drawing
- Equipment use
- Primary post-excavation procedures
Course Fee: €2,995
Learn more about paying your fees
This includes:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Equipment – each student will receive their own 4″ Archaeology Trowel
- Insurance
- Transport to and from the site daily
- Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meal (Monday to Saturday)
- Tea break
- An allowance will be provided for weekend trips
SS110 – Intermediate Archaeological Excavation
2 Week Course-SS110-(6ECTS or 3US Credits)
IntERMEDIATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
✓Duration: Two weeks, including middle Saturday.
✓Available academic credits: 6ECTS/ 3 US credit hours
✓Who should apply: This module is ideal for those with some experience of archaeological excavation, seeking to advance their skills.
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this module, students will:
- understand the organisation and daily running of an archaeological excavation
- have acquired intermediate skills of archaeological excavation and recording
- be familiar with primary post-excavation techniques
- possess the skills necessary to work on archaeological excavations worldwide at general operative or site-assistant level
Course Outline:
This intensive module is designed to train students in intermediate-level skills of archaeological excavation. It will explain the varied methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site and provide experience in a number of necessary skills, including grid establishment and use, trowelling techniques, feature excavation, artefact recovery and recording, sampling methodology, context recording, and planning and photography, in addition to basic excavation responsibilities and team supervision. This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.
Practical Laboratory Content: Laboratory tuition in the following:
- Washing artefacts
- Numbering artefacts
- Basic conservation
- Artefact illustration
- Artefact cataloguing
- Artefact photography
- Data entry and analysis
- Sample washing
- Sample sieving and flotation
- Inking up excavation drawings
- Digitising excavation drawings
Assessment (for those seeking academic credit):
- Attendance at, and participation in, all scheduled fieldwork, field class and lectures
- Completion of a Learner’s Journal (daily entries, Introduction and Conclusion, illustrations)
- Short quiz / multi-choice test
Course Fee: €2,995
Learn more about paying your fees
This includes:
- Tuition
- Full Board Hotel Accommodation
- Insurance
- Equipment
- Transport to and from the site daily
- Full Irish Breakfast, Lunch and 3 Course Evening Meal
- Tea break
- An allowance will be provided for weekend trips