ARCH2106 Archaeological Field Methods

One of the great joys of archaeology is participating in fieldwork: not only is it fun, but it is also very important because it is where the majority of our original data ultimately come from. This topic provides students with critical skills necessary to participate in archaeological field work not only in Australia but anywhere in the world. It aims to bridge the gap between 'formal' archaeology lectures and 'hands on' field archaeology and hence is focused around practical, skills-based exercises. Students will learn about surveying, mapping, illustration, excavation, navigation and much more.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to field observational skills
• Introduce students to field note taking skills
• Introduce basic archaeological site surveying techniques
• Introduce basic archaeological fieldwork recording skills
• Assist students to develop basic skills in reading, understanding and interpreting site plans
• Assist students to develop basic skills in map reading, understanding and interpretation
• Develop students' ability to work successfully in a group

1. Demonstrate basic field observational skills
2. Demonstrate basic field note taking skills
3. Demonstrate familiarity with, and basic competency in, archaeological site surveying techniques
4. Demonstrate familiarity with, and basic competency in, archaeological fieldwork recording skills
5. Demonstrate basic skills in reading, understanding and interpreting site plans
6. Demonstrate basic skills in map reading, understanding and interpretation
7. Work successfully in a group