ARMIDB-Issues and Debates in Bioarchaeology

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Gundula M£ldner
Email: g.h.mueldner@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides graduate students with a conceptual understanding of human bioarchaeology that enables them to evaluate the nature of the evidence used in the discipline, to critically assess arguments and interpretations and to evaluate their appropriateness for different research questions.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the interpretive frameworks used to understand human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts, and a critical awareness of central issues within human bioarchaeology that can be applied to both the optional modules and the dissertation.

Intended learning outcomes:

Provide a conceptual understanding of key approaches and debates in human bioarchaeology and develop skills in the critical reading and appraisal of publications in the field.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify and describe the main theoretical frameworks and contextual approaches in bioarchaeology;


• evaluate critically their appropriateness for different projects and research questions;


• evaluate critically the inferences which can be made about past human life experience;


• evaluate and critique different types of publications in the fieldand communicate the outcome orally and in writing;


• integrate scientific and social perspectives in the interpretation of the past.

Additional outcomes:

The module also promotes the development of advanced problem-solving and analytical skills by demonstrating how knowledge can be gained by analyses of diverse, complex, and incomplete data and the interpretations derived from them. Seminar presentations and the selection of individual assignment topics encourage independent learning, communication skills and the exercise of initiative.

Outline content:

This module is structured to consider the main theoretical approaches and contextual frameworks used in human bioarchaeology and associated methodological debates, including approaches to age and the life-course, sex and gender, race and ancestry as well as violence and conflict. Sessions will provide introductions to the subject matter and lead on to structured discussions, based on seminar presentations and prepared reading about methodological issues and key debates in the field.

Global context:
The module draws upon case studies worldwide.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, seminars and structured group discussion requiring preparatory reading. Students will present a seminar paper (assessed) about one of the themes.

This is a 10 credit module, which means that it is intended to occupy you for 100 hours of work: seminar preparation, background reading, reading for and writing the monograph critique. With that in mind you might like to think of your independent self-study time as follows:

15 hours engaged in reading and note takin g from £key texts£ for each week
25 hours preparation for seminars including seminar presentation.
40 hours engaged in reading, preparation and writing your critique

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8
Seminars	11
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Advance preparation for classes	30
Preparation for presentations	11
Essay preparation	30
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework (c. 2000 words) – 70%

Presentation – 30%

Submission of coursework and presentations on dates set by the Department

Formative assessment methods:

Structured seminar discussions will give opportunity for self- and peer-assessment and immediate informal feedback on progression and performance by the module leaders.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:
A module average of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework and alternative assessment in lieu of presentation.

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: 22 September 2022