Featured Archaeology Modules
Featured Archaeology Modules
In this section, we will be featuring a range of Archaeology modules that we offer in the UCD School of Archaeology. The Series will run throughout the year.
- Human Osteoarchaeology
- Archaeological Field Methods
- Hunter Gatherer Archaeology
- World Heritage: Conflict Resolution and Heritage
Human Osteoarchaeology
ARCH31010 - Human Osteoarchaeology
Osteoarchaeology is the study of human skeletal remains from archaeological sites. Skeletal analysis is an important skill as it allows archaeologists to identify human bones recovered during excavations. Osteology also allows us to learn more about the identities and lived experiences of past peoples.
Our stage 3 module ARCH31010 Human Osteoarchaeology offers an introduction to human skeletal anatomy. Using our extensive collection of casts, students spend the first half of the module learning how to recognize and orient specific bones as well as important anatomical landmarks and features.
During the second half of the module, students learn how to reconstruct aspects of biological profile, such as age and sex, from human remains. The module is extremely active and hands-on, combining lectures, practical sessions, and structured labs.
Arch41270 Archaeological Field Methods
ARCH41270: Archaeological Field Methods will introduce you to some key principles in archaeological investigations, principally through archaeological excavations of key features in UCD Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture (e.g. which in the past have included excavations of the burnt-down early medieval roundhouse, ironsmelting areas, pottery firing features and other 'archaeological sites' within CEAMC).
An experienced professional archaeologist and adept Site Director Cathy Moore will guide you in such key archaeological field recording and processing techniques as excavation methods and techniques; site and feature scale planning; sampling, retention of archaeological finds, and other typical methods of recording features (e.g. drawing, photography, use of feature sheets, and other methods). An emphasis is placed on understanding the basic archaeological methods used in fieldwork and applying skills in practice, including how to use text, illustrations, artefact studies, and an understanding how we represent the excavated record by various means.
Arch41320 Hunter Gatherer 1: Key Themes
ARCH41320: Hunter-Gatherers 1: key themes
This graduate level module is an advanced introduction to the archaeology and anthropology of hunter-gatherers. Our focus is the background to the idea that there is a distinctive form of human social organization associated with hunting and gathering, and the key features of sociality and behaviour that have been argued to be linked to this. This includes egalitarianism, gender relations, mobility, use of resources etc. Throughout, a strong emphasis is on challenging stereotypes. Our geographical and temporal scope is broad. We will make extensive use of anthropological models of hunter-gatherer organization, always asking how and if the archaeological record can support these claims in a deep time context. The module is based around pre-recorded video lectures and in-depth class discussion and exercises. Assessment includes literature reviews and small research projects.
Testimonial. (Gavin Donaghy, PT MSc Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology student 2022-2024):
“I came to the course and the module as a commercial archaeologist with 20 years of field experience and, to a certain degree, entrenched ideas about Hunter-Gatherers. Hunter-Gatherers 1 allowed me to interrogate and understand archaeological and anthropological ideas and misconceptions about our deep-time ancestors. The module challenged my ideas about the sources and terminologies we used and the lenses through which we view the past. It also helped me to create new narratives and tell the stories of the Irish Mesolithic. I found the module enlightening, and the lessons I learned have stayed with me.”
Module: ARCH 41030 Conflict Resolution and Heritage, World Heritage Studies.
The course is aimed at students who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding in the fields of contested heritage and conflict resolution, international law and heritage sites, conflict analysis and ADR methods. The lectures are structured around theoretical presentations, groupwork, case studies and skills development.
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate their understanding of conflict theory.
- Demonstrate their conceptual and practical understanding of conflict analysis and how it can be used positively in forums where stakeholders have conflicting interests.
- Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between international law, heritage and armed conflict.
- Deepen their knowledge of approaches to heritage and conflict resolution at the international level.
- Identify how the process of mediation and acquired skills can address conflict and heritage disputes.
Lecturer Dr Yaser Alashqar Profile