rong> Yes, have a seat. You wanted to talk to me about the archaeology course.
Paul: Yes, I’ve read the handbook, but I’d like to find out a few more details before I decide whether to do it.
Tutor: Right, yes. What would you like to know?
Paul: Well, first of all, can I combine the archaeology course with one in anthropology?
Tutor: Yes, you can combine it with any other subject, apart from classical history. That’s simply because there’s some overlap in the lecture times for those two courses. We weren’t able to coordinate them.
Paul: Okay, fine. And could you tell me about the modules?
Tutor: Well, in the first semester there are three. All of them are compulsory. We don’t offer optional modules till next year.
Paul: Right.
Tutor: The first one focuses on what can be learned from specific artifacts, such as pottery and stone tools. It’s called
Object Matters, and it’s taught by Dr. Morris.
Paul: How is the module presented? I mean, is it lectures?
Tutor: We refer to the means of presentation as the learning method, and in this case it’s lectures integrated with practical sessions, so it’s a mixture.
Paul: But what about the content?
Tutor: To an extent, but the module is basically about processes. First of all recording material, then classification, then interpretation of the data. That’s how archaeologists draw conclusions about their findings. And finally display.
Paul: Is that okay?
Tutor: I think so. Yes, thanks.
Paul: One other thing. How is the module assessed? Is there an exam?
Tutor: No, it’s all based on coursework.
Paul: Okay.
Tutor: And the second module, that’s the one called
Towns and Cities, is taught by our department head, Professor Elliott. And as the name suggests, the module’s about the origins of built environments and how they developed.
Paul: That’s mainly factual then, I suppose.
Tutor: It is really, and for that reason the assessment’s by examination, but you may be pleased to know it’s an oral rather than a written exam, and…
Paul: It sounds a bit scary.
Tutor: Most of our students find they actually enjoy it so don’t worry too much.
Paul: Okay.
Tutor: And then the title of the third module is
Method and Science, and in that Dr. Thompson will be introducing you to the standard techniques used in archaeological fieldwork and analysis, things like excavating and dating.
Paul: What about the learning method for this module? Are there any lectures or is this all laboratory work?
Tutor: Oh, it’s half lab work and half seminars. There aren’t any lectures. Then, right at the end of the module, you’ll take part in a site survey. The date for that is week beginning the 10th of March.
Paul: But I can’t tell you the location yet.
Tutor: That’ll be announced later. But I think you’ll find it very useful.
