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Unit of study_

ARCO3404: Archaeology in the Field

Intensive July, 2023 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides in-field archaeological experience. The course consists of a combination of classroom tuition, hands-on activities, and/or practical skills development. Activities can include museum or site visits, survey and excavation, and material culture analysis. The content and nature of the experience will be based in departmental research areas. Fieldwork opportunities can be based in Australia or overseas.

Unit details and rules

Unit code ARCO3404
Academic unit Archaeology
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Archaeology or 6 credit points at 2000 level in Archaeology and 6 credit points at 2000 level in Ancient History or Ancient Greek or Latin or History or Anthropology or Education or Geoscience
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Basic understanding of archaeological methods and materials.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Lesley Beaumont, lesley.beaumont@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Lesley Beaumont, lesley.beaumont@sydney.edu.au
Charlotte Feakins, charlotte.feakins@sydney.edu.au
James Flexner, james.flexner@sydney.edu.au
Stavros Paspalas, stavros.paspalas@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Field Notebook/Academic Journal
Field notebook/Academic Journal
45% Multiple weeks 2,500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Essay
Essay
45% Multiple weeks 2,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation Participation/Contribution to academic discussion
Participation/Contribution to academic discussion
10% Ongoing N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Please refer to Canvas for further information.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

An authoritative and highly effective response that engages with the full implications of the question. The issues and methodology are set out clearly, critical arguments are exceptionally well-developed, and there is a clear and complete understanding of the material and vocabulary/terminology. Case studies will relate directly to the question. Evidence is provided of wide-ranging and insightful use of relevant literature, some of which has been located by the student. A considerable degree of independent thought and interpretation is demonstrated, as is an understanding of the full nature and complexity of archaeological data, methodologies and interpretation. The conclusion expresses the candidate's independent jusdgement in a mature way. Expression is efficient and lucid, without unnecessary complication; in the highest range of this grade expression will be scholarly and elegant. Faultless presentation of citations and bibliography; judicious use of academic conventions.

Distinction

75 - 84

A sharply-focused answer that engages with many of the implications of the question and maintains a sophisticated level of analysis throughout. The problem(s) and method of approach are set out clearly, and different arguments are presented critically, with a good understanding of the material and vocabulary/terminology. Case studies will relate clearly to the question. Critical use of relevant literature is made, showing ability to make comparison between different secondary interpretations and to quote/reference aptly. A considerable degree of independent thought is demonstrated, and an understanding of the nature and complexity of archaeological data, methodologies and interpretation. The assignment concludes with a synthesis which is not just a summary, and shows some independence of view. Accurate and lucid English expression is evident , with very few errors of form or style. Apprpriate use of citations and bibliography.

Credit

65 - 74

An essay that engages with the question effectively and concisely. The structure of the essay will be clear and will develop a critical argument, using an appropriate range of vocabulary. Case studies will be used and evaluated. Use of relevant literature will show an ability to make comparisons between different interpretations and to quote/reference aptly. The essay will demonstrate some intellectual independence, perhaps drawing on ideas from outside the course; it will show an awareness of the nature and complexity of archaeological data, methodologies and interpretation. The conclusion will summarise the positionon argued and show some critical awareness of relevant issues. A good standard of written English is maintained, with few errors of form or style. Appropriate use of citations and bibliography.

Pass

50 - 64

Sound and competent work which covers the basic subject matter and which understands the question. The structure of the essay will be evident and will show a critical argument, using an appropriate range of vocabulary. Case studies will be used and discussed. Use and reference of several sources, but mainly through summary rather than analysis and comparison. There will be limited evidence of original thought; the essay may suggest an awareness of the nature and complexity of archaeological data, methodologies and interpretation. The conclusion will summarise the position argued. Moderately good English expression, with room for improvement in matters of style and/or grammar and punctuarion; some error and/or omissions in citation and bibliography.

Fail

0 - 49

An essay that may not fully understand the question, that may include factual errors and that does not use the appropriate vocabulary. Case studies may be inappropriate or not used. Limited use of secondary sources and no critical comparison of them. The essay will demonstrate no direct evidence of original thought, and little or no awareness of the nature and complexity of archaeological data, methodologies and interpretation. The assignment deals with some of the relevant issues but treats them superficially and is too descriptive. Unsophisticated writing with errors of grammar, syntax, spelling and punctuation; may use inappropriate or inaccurate language. Limited bibliography ad/or inconsistent citation.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Athens Classical Archaeology Intensive Summer Program Block teaching (45 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Lectures will be recorded where and when possible and made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas Module on Readings.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a clear understanding of the methodologies employed by archaeologists
  • LO2. develop an ability to understand and interpret sites and artefacts in terms of social life in the past and present
  • LO3. apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts
  • LO4. demonstrate a sophisticated ability to access, organise, and communicate knowledge in written English
  • LO5. work effectively as part of a team, and to collaborate with the local community.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Work, health and safety

Fieldwork safety briefing will be carried out before commencement of fieldwork.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.