ARMGRA-Archaeological Graphics

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Ms Sarah Lambert-Gates
Email: s.m.lambert-gates@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to produce publication standard illustrations consistent with current professional practice in archaeology.

Aims:

The module provides an overview of the role of graphic communication in archaeology, a reasonable level of practical competence in Adobe software and an understanding of technical issues involved in producing different types of illustration. The specific areas of archaeological illustration covered in practice are the layout of display material and the preparation of illustrations for academic publication.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that you will have gained:

• An ability to communicate archaeological information effectively through graphics.


• Computer graphics skills in drawing, layout and digital imaging to present archaeological research and interpretations as posters and illustrations for academic journal publication.

Additional outcomes:

You will also gain an understanding of archaeological illustration as a profession and issues relating to publication and printing. Practical sessions will build confidence in using unfamiliar software and provide the opportunity to develop technical drawing skills. Preparing graphics for projection and the web will also be covered.

Outline content:

Lectures and workshops will give an overview of the development and range of visual communication in archaeology and of aspects of production. Alongside these will run a programme of practical hands-on drawing sessions in computer graphics, using Adobe Illustrator and GIMP. Practical tasks will allow you to produce maps and plans for research publication and to design an interpretive display panel/leaflet for an archaeological site.

Global context:

These practical standards can be applied globally within archaeological illustration.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises 10 practical sessions of 3 hours. Starting with an introduction in the form of an informal lecture/ discussion at the beginning each session, followed by between one and three practical exercises. You are guided through each step, though you are free to move on more quickly if you desire. There are accompanying hand-outs for the exercises and some screencasts. Due to the small number of students in the class you receive 1 to 1 assistance and advice during each session. Th e session is broken up by further discussion and advice about the wider practical applications of the skills being learnt. We also look at published examples. In Week 10 you will use the time available to work on the coursework in a classroom setting and discuss any issues arising from it.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		1
Project Supervision		12
Demonstration		4
Practicals classes and workshops		10
Supervised time in studio/workshop		3
Guided independent study:
Advance preparation for classes		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		160
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	25
Project output other than dissertation	25
Practical skills assessment	25
Set exercise	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Method	Percentage	Submission week
Project 1	30%	24
Project 2	30%	28
Project 3	10%	35
Project 4	30%	37

The 4 projects that are started during the classes in sessions 2, 5, 7 and 9 respectively. Each Graphics project is to be submitted as a .pdf and .ai files.

Formative assessment methods:

The Project work is based on coursework that is started during the class in weeks 2, 5,  7 and 9, and skills attained during the other weeks will be incorporated into the project work. Students can ask for informal feedback on a week by week basis during the class or by emailing their work to Sarah at s.m.lambert-gates@reading.ac.uk.

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 mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework by 1 September, but it cannot carry forward more than a pass mark

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: If you wish to use your own computer: http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/illustrator/tech-specs.html

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023