Archaeology - Archaeology of Things
At the core of the module is a review of key artefact assemblages from prehistory through to the medieval period. While there is a general focus on Irish artefacts, we will also consider things from Britain and continental Europe. We will explore such topics as object classification (typologies), the scientific analysis of archaeological materials, and the contribution of experimental archaeology.
Duration
Spring Trimester - January to May
MODE OF DELIVERY:Face-to-Face
Eligibility
Not applicable to this module.
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ARCH20120 - Studying material culture, ARCH20640 - Archaeology of Things
Additional Information:
Archaeology PhD students (DRHSC001 Z117, DRHSC001 Z118) may audit only
Careers / Further progression
Open Learning means you can fit university around your life. Whether you're looking to progress your career, or you've just finished school and wondering if university is for you, Open Learning fits around your schedule and gives you all the benefits of being a full-time student, without the full-time commitment.
Open Learning allows you to select the modules you wish to study, set the pace of your study, and whether you undertake the module assessment. It also can lead to undergraduate degree entry in UCD if you are taking the Certificate in Open Learning (30 credits) or if you are a Mature Student you can take one module (5 credits) in lieu of the MSAP exam.
There are 14 Progression Pathways to choose from Students who earn 30 credits (6 x 5 credit modules) receive a NFQ Level 7 Certificate in Open Learning. This can be used to apply through the CAO for dedicated places on 14 different UCD degree programmes depending on Grade Point Average (GPA) and modules completed.
Further information
TRIMESTER: Spring
To get started, you need to first complete and submit an online pre-registration form. Applications will reopen again on 8 August 2023.
We live in a material world, with objects communicating things about us and our communities. In the modern world we are also increasingly surrounded by things, our relationships to these things mostly classed as that of consumers rather than producers. ARCH20500 aims to help you look differently and critically at objects from the past (and the present) and to appreciate the huge importance material culture holds for understanding human society. Much, much older than the written record, objects are a major category of archaeological evidence and a vital tool for the archaeologist.
At the core of the module is a review of key artefact assemblages from prehistory through to the medieval period. While there is a general focus on Irish artefacts, we will also consider things from Britain and continental Europe. We will explore such topics as object classification (typologies), the scientific analysis of archaeological materials, and the contribution of experimental archaeology. Alongside this, we will examine the many different roles and functions that objects had in the past and how these often diverge from our modern views and practices. We will explore concepts such as ownership and wealth, object deposition and discard, and the life-cycle of objects.
We have a dedicated team who supports the Open Learning programme:
Jenny Doyle, Centre Operations Manager - jennifer.doyle@ucd.ie
Lucy and Ciarán are members of our Operations Team and they can also help you with your queries. Get in touch with us by emailing all@ucd.ie