James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

AR2401:03

Maritime Archaeology: Ships and Seafaring *

26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials. April block mode.

Staff: Dr M Gibbs.

This subject examines the history and development of maritime archaeological investigation in both the International and Australian context. It explores the use of underwater and terrestrial survey and excavation techniques in the study of maritime sites and structures, focussing on how this research has informed our knowledge of the evolution of boats, ships and seafaring from ancient times to more modern contexts. It also reviews recent work on the site formation processes of creating and influencing shipwrecks.

Learning Objectives:

1. to acquire knowledge of the development of current practice and theory in maritime archaeology;
2. to become aware of the techniques used in the location, survey and excavation of maritime archaeological sites;
3. to understand how the evolution of watercraft and seafaring has been interpreted through archaeological data.

Assessment by tutorial presentation and paper (25%); major essay (25%); two-hour end of semester examination (50%).