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Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation
Certificate
Course Details
| Course Code | SG_SINTR_S07 |
|---|---|
| Level | 7 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Credits | 15 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Sligo |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
Have you ever wondered how archaeologists use the material remains of the past to reconstruct human behaviour?
The Level 7 Certificate in Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation is designed to provide the learner with a comprehensive introduction to the methods, frameworks, technology and theoretical paradigms utilised by archaeologists as they attempt to interpret the archaeological record and provide meaningful and accurate accounts of past human behaviour. This is the only online archaeology course of its kind offered in Ireland and will best suit students who have already gained at least a basic introduction to archaeology.
Programme Structure
This 15-credit course comprises 3 modules, taught completely online over 1 year. These modules include:
How Archaeology is Done: Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Theory and Landscape Archaeology taught in Semester 1 and From Gods to Pests: The Role of Animals in Human Societies in Semester 2. Semester 1 classes start in September each year.
Other archaeology certificate courses you may be interested in: https://www.atu.ie/flexible-learning-courses-in-archaeology
This certificate course will be delivered by Mr Chris Read, Dr Fiona Beglane and Mr Sam Moore.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
How Archaeology is done: Introduction to Archaeological Methods and TheoryThrough this module, the student will learn about the technics, methods and technologies archaeologists use to create the archaeological record. Through lectures and directed readings, students will be introduced to vagaries of archaeological interpretation and become familiarised with major theoretical paradigms concerning how we go from the archaeological record to reconstructing human behaviour. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of the archaeological record and its constituent parts 2. Apply appropriate methods and techniques in case study situations 3. Identify and differentiate the main theoretical paradigms used in archaeology and those questions that lie outside ethical archaeological enquiry |
05 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
From Gods to Pests: The Role of Animals in Human SocietiesThe aim of this module is to reconstruct the relationship between past peoples and the animals around them. Animals have always been integral to human society as sources of food, labour, and raw materials, and have had very significant religious and symbolic roles. The module focuses on interpreting zooarchaeological, historical and anthropological information to develop a deeper understanding of past societies including economic, cultural and social aspects. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the principal economic and non-economic human-animal interactions and the evidence associated with these. 2. Interpret a variety of case studies utilising zooarchaeological data 3. Effectively communicate zooarchaeological principles to a peer audience. |
05 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Landscape ArchaeologyLandscape Archaeology explores the past interaction between people and their surroundings, and attempts to understand how people shaped and were shaped by the worlds in which they dwelled. The landscape is a layered document that, with practise and learning, can be decoded and interpreted. The course looks at theoretical ideas around landscape and the entanglement of places, things, animals and people. It also explores the multidisciplinary nature of landscape archaeology where remote sensing, environmental archaeology and other methodologies are employed. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate and understanding of how a landscape might evolve through time 2. Express an awareness of the practical and theoretical approaches conducting a landscape survey 3. Show an awareness of some of Ireland’s most important archaeological landscapes |
05 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Each of the two online modules will entail 2 hours of lecturing per week. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that students should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to their studies.
Examination and Assessment
All three modules will have 2 pieces of assessment, a combination of online Moodle tests and essays. There will be no formal exams.
Progression
Graduates may progress to another Level 6 or Level 7 SPA programme.
The following archaeology programmes are currently offered by ATU Sligo:
SG_SARCH_S06 , SPA Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation , L6 , ECTS 10
SG_SARCI_S06 , SPA Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation (International) , L6 , ECTS 12
SG_SARCJ_S06 , SPA Archaeological Field Studies (International), L6 , ECTS 18
SG_SINTR_S06 , SPA Introduction to Irish Archaeology , L6 , ECTS 15
SG_SPREH_S06 , SPA Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland and Europe , L6 , ECTS 15
SG_SIRIS_S06 , SPA Irish Medieval History and Archaeology , L6 , ECTS 15
SG_SINTR_S07 , SPA Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation , L7 , ECTS 15
SG_SRITU_S07 , SPA Ritual and Meaning in Archaeology , L7 , ECTS 15
SG_SBUIN_S07 , SPA Buildings Archaeology (Online), L7 , ECTS 15
SG_SBUIM_S07 , SPA Buildings Archaeology (Blended) , L7 , ECTS 15
For further information, please visit Archaeology at ATU.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
This course will suit anyone with a desire to deepen their understanding of archaeology and explore how archaeologists actually reconstruct the past.Students will require an existing Level 6 qualification, or the equivalent in lived experience to secure entry. While not essential, this course will best suit students who already have a basic grounding in archaeology. Please contact the course coordinator if you have any questions.
Careers
Graduates of our Level 7 Certificate in Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation may find work as guides or volunteers in local museums and heritage centres; as guides on OPW sites; as General Operatives or volunteers on research excavations; and as General Operatives or volunteers on commercial excavations.
This Level 6 Certificate in Introduction to Irish Archaeology will also cater to the interested public, not desiring credits. The course will be of benefit to those who currently work in the national and international tourist market and wish to upskill, including tourist bus drivers/guides, those in cultural heritage tourism, those who run their own tourism companies or heritage centres, and those who working with local community groups on heritage tourism and/or heritage education.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
The course will be of benefit to those who currently work in the national and international tourist market and wish to upskill, including tourist bus drivers/guides, those in cultural heritage tourism, those who run their own tourism companies or heritage centres, and those who working with local community groups on heritage tourism and/or heritage education.
Contact Information
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Department
Environmental Science
