AR3M9-Archaeology of the Dark Ages

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Gabor Thomas
Email: gabor.thomas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This single-term module surveys the archaeology of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and British-speaking regions of western and northern England fromt he 5th to the 10th centuries. It uses a wide spectrum of archaeological sources to explore the nature of these societies, their interactions with each other and the wider world, and how they were transformed by key processes such as Christianisation and political centralisation.  It is taught in seminars and is examined through an assessed essay, a report, and seminar performance.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a grounding in the i of the archaeology of Celtic-speaking regions of the British Isles between the 5th and the 10th centuries A.D., the period commonly identified as the ‘Dark Ages’. Students will acquire a critical understanding of the sources available for the period and an informed appreciation of the characteristics and dynamics of ‘Dark Age’ societies in relation to wider processes in early medieval Europe.

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 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 module will uncover the lived realities that lie behind King Arthur and other legendary figures from ‘Dark Age’ Britain and Ireland (the 5th to the 19th centuries A.D.) through a critically informed evaluation of archaeological and other sources. The content will be taught thematically, each topic being illustrated by case studies drawn from across the British Isles to understand similarities and differences. Key themes include social organisation,  power and authority, objects and identities, death and commemoration, and religion and Christianisation.

Global context:
This module is primarily concerned with the archaeology of western and northern areas of mainland Britain and Ireland, but also examines cultural and political interactions with the near continent and the Mediterranean world.

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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	10
External visits	8
Guided independent study:	172
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Report	40
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework

Students will write one essay of 3000 words and a report of 2000 words examining a key site or object covered on the module. Coursework is 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 10-15 minutes duration combined with general seminar performance.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that 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.

Assessment 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.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 24 June 2021