James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

AR2201:04

Principles of Archaeological Investigation

Townsville, Cairns

Prerequisites: AR1002
Inadmissable Subject Combination: AR2001 AR3102

26 lectures, 24 hours practicals. First semester (Townsville campus); February intensive block mode (Cairns campus).

Staff: Dr D Roe (Townsville campus); Dr D Roe (Cairns campus).

This subject gives a theoretical and practical introduction to a series of techniques that are employed in the design and execution of archaeological research projects. The topics that are addressed include: ethical, legal and practical aspects of fieldwork; site documentation and surveying methods; the employment of specialist techniques and approaches to data collection, processing and interpretation.

Learning Objectives:

  1. understanding of the basic aims and principles of archaeological investigation;
  2. knowledge of a range of theoretical frameworks and associated methodology;
  3. understanding of practical procedures in the field and laboratory;
  4. understanding of ethical issues within the discipline.

Assessment by practical exercises (60%); two-hour end of semester examination (40%).