Archaeology of the Dark Ages

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Archaeology of the Dark Ages

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Archaeology

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    10
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    6
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    8

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Archaeology
    Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
    Level:6
    Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
    Pre-requisites: AR1TS3 Practising Archaeology: methods and approaches
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr Gabor Thomas
    Email: gabor.thomas@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    This single-term module surveys the archaeology of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in the post-Roman period up to the Viking Age, as well as the native British regions of England before the Anglo-Saxon conquests. In addition to examining the aspects of secular settlement and society, it places emphasis on the introduction and development of Christianity in these areas as expressed in burial customs, religious settlements and architecture and works of art. It is taught in seminars and is examined through an assessed essay, seminar performance, and a written examination.
    Aims:
    This module aims to provide students with thorough grounding in the Early Christian archaeology of the British Isles and Ireland embracing landscapes, standing monuments, excavated sites, and portable material culture. It will evaluate the physical evidence against the backdrop of an uneven historical record, and use archaeological sources to examine the nature and development of Early Christian society within each of the geographical locales.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that the students will be able to:
    ? identify, discuss and explain the main issues and events
    ? demonstrate an understanding of how archaeology engages with other disciplines in a reconstruction of the period, and a critical awareness of the diversity of sources used by archaeologists
    ? assess the character and the quality of archaeological data, and evaluate the interpretations placed on them
    ? locate and assemble information from a range of sources for particular topics through self-study
    ? organize their material and construct an effective argument in writing, both in coursework essays and examination answers, and in oral presentations in class
    Additional outcomes:
    Additional outcomes
    This module also aims to enhance students? oral communication skills, their ability to work in teams, and problem-solving in group seminars. Through the gathering of information they will develop self-study, research and IT skills.
    Outline content:
    This single-term module examines how archaeological approaches have helped to illuminate life in the period A.D. 400-1100, long regarded as a ?Dark Age? in the history of the British Isles. A key emphasis is the relationship between archaeology and history and the extent to which a critical approach to the period can be reconciled with mythical figures such as King Arthur and the culture evoked in contemporary prose sources. The content will be taught thematically, each topic being illustrated by case studies drawn from across Early Christian Britain and Ireland. Key themes include rural settlement and economy, the role of elite residences, trade and exchange, monastic culture, burial customs, and Early Christian art.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Largely seminars at which students will be expected to contribute by presenting the results of set reading. Lectures used to introduce complex topics. Individual tutorials to discuss essays. There will be a revision session in the Summer Term.
    Contact hours:
    Autumn Summer
    Lectures 10
    Seminars 10
    Tutorials 0 2
    Guided independent study 152 26
    Total hours by term 172.00 28.00
    Total hours for module 200.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 50
    Written assignment including essay 40
    Oral assessment and presentation 10
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Coursework
    Students will write one essay of 3000 words to be submitted in the second half of Autumn Term, on dates set by the Department.
    Oral presentation
    Students are encouraged to participate regularly in seminar discussion. The mark awarded for this component of the assessment will be based on one assessed presentation of 15-20 minutes duration combined with general seminar performance.
    Examination
    One unseen two-hour paper requiring two answers, to be taken at the time of the Part 3 examinations.
    Formative assessment methods:
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    Two hours
    Requirements for a pass:
    40%
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Students who are eligible for re-assessment will have the right to re-assessment in coursework and re-examination.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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