ARA3013 : Early Medieval Britain
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
- Module Leader(s): Dr Duncan Wright
- Lecturer: Professor Sam Turner
- Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of key themes in the early medieval archaeology of Britain, with a focus on the lands now making up England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. We will explore key themes in early medieval archaeology to gain an in depth understanding of the period.
The aims of this module are:
1. To provide an in depth knowledge of key themes relating to the early medieval archaeology.
2. To examine the sources and methods that are available to early medievalists including archaeological excavation and survey, landscapes, artefact studies, and historical documents.
Outline Of Syllabus
The course will examine the following key themes in early medieval archaeology:
Regionality in the North European ‘Iron Age’
Migration and Ethnicity
Art and Material Culture
Cult and Rulership
Death, Belief and Commemoration
Conversion and Christianisation
Christian Spaces and Royal Places
Settlement and Landscape
Trade and Exchange
Landscapes of Governance
The 'Viking Age'
Urbanism and Trade Systems
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 62 | 1:00 | 62:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | Live lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 62 | 1:00 | 62:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Live seminars and practical instruction |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 8:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 21 | 1:00 | 21:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
1. Lectures will provide an introduction to significant themes and concepts.
2. Seminars will deliver advanced knowledge and critical understanding, building on the lectures, through presentation and in-depth discussion of detailed case studies.
3. Private study to provide in-depth understanding through background reading, preparation of seminar presentations, identification/collation/analysis of information for assessments.
4. The field-trip will enable students to gain a fuller understanding of the nature of sites and landscapes.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 40 | 1500 words. Feed forward to Essay 2 |
| Essay | 2 | A | 60 | 2500 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Essays will assess ability to analyse data critically and published interpretations relating to key themes in early medieval studies using methods and techniques taught through lectures and seminars.
Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.
This module can be made available to Erasmus students only with the agreement of the Head of Subject and of the Module Leader. This option must be discussed in person at the beginning of your exchange period. No restrictions apply to study-abroad, exchange and Loyola students.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA3013's Timetable