Introduction to Archaeological Excavation
Excavation within a 10th Century AD royal settlement
For more information visit http://caherconnell.com

2 Week Course-SS109-(6ECTS or 3US Credit Hours) 

May 30th-June 10th 2016

July 11th-July 22nd 2016

Course Outline

This intensive module is designed to provide students with their first taste of archaeological excavation. It will explain the varied methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site, whilst providing practical experience of at least one of those methods in the field.

The module will also train students in a number of basic necessary skills, including:

• grid establishment and use
• trowelling techniques
• artefact recovery and recording
• sampling methodology
• context recording
• planning and photography

This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

Available academic credits: 6ECTS / 3 US credit hours

Who should apply: This module is ideal for beginners, for anyone with an interest in the past and archaeological excavation.

Duration: Two weeks, including middle Saturday.

Assessment (for those seeking academic credit):

• Attendance at, and participation in, all scheduled fieldwork, field class and lectures
• Completion of a Learner’s Journal (daily entries, Introduction and Conclusion, illustrations)

Field tuition in the following:

• Site layout
• Cutting preparation
• Trowelling techniques
• On-site sample processing
• Artefact recovery
• Feature excavation
• The recording system
• Use of the automatic level
• Context sampling
• Excavation photography
• Context recording
• Section and profile drawing
• Plan drawing
• Equipment use
• Primary post-excavation procedures