What will I learn?

Course 1 Introduction to Archaeological Excavation (Level 1 excavation)

This intensive module is designed to provide students with their first taste of archaeological excavation. It will explain the various methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site.  It will also provide practical experience of at least one of these methods in the field. The module will also train students in a number of basic necessary skills, including grid establishment and use, trowelling techniques, artefact recovery and recording, sampling methodology, context recording, planning and photography. This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

Who should apply: This module is ideal for beginners, or anyone with an interest in the past and archaeological excavation.

Duration: Two weeks, including middle Saturday.

Assessment (only for those seeking academic credits):

Attendance at, and participation in, all scheduled fieldwork, field class and lectures. Completion of a Learner’s Journal (daily entries, Introduction and Conclusion, illustrations).Practical Fieldwork

Content: Field tuition in the following:

• (Level 1) Site layout
• Cutting preparation
• Trowelling techniques
• On-site sample processing
• Artefact recovery
• Feature excavation
• The recording system
• Use of the automatic level
• Context sampling
• Excavation photography
• Context recording
• Section and profile drawing
• Plan drawing
• Equipment use
• Primary post-excavation procedures

Credits: each 2-week course can earn a student 3US semester hour credits / 6ECTS (European credits).

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Module 2:  Intermediate Archaeological Excavation (6ECTS / 3 Semester Hour Credits)

(Level 2 excavation)

This intensive module is designed to train students in intermediate-level skills of archaeological excavation. It will explain the varied methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site and provide experience in a number of necessary skills, including grid establishment and use, trowelling techniques, feature excavation, artefact recovery and recording, sampling methodology, context recording, and planning and photography, in addition to basic excavation responsibilities and team supervision. This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will

• Understand the organisation and daily running of an archaeological excavation
• Have acquired intermediate skills of archaeological excavation and recording
• Be familiar with primary post-excavation techniques
• Possess the skills necessary to work on archaeological excavations worldwide at general operative or site-assistant level

Suggested readings for module 2 are available here

Credits: each 2-week course can earn a student 3US semester hour credits / 6ECTS (European credits).

Course 5 Post-excavation Processing and Analysis (Level 1 post- excavation)

This intensive module is designed to train students in the basic skills of archaeological post-excavation and processing. It will explain the varied methods used by archaeologists to analyse and process different types of archaeological material and provide experience in a number of necessary skills. These will include washing and numbering of artefacts, basic conservation, artefact illustration and cataloguing, sample washing and sorting, sample sieving, sample flotation, inking-up and digitising of excavation drawings. This will be achieved through laboratory-based talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

Who should apply: This module is ideal for those with some experience of archaeological excavation, seeking to acquire post-excavation skills.

Duration: Two weeks

Practical Laboratory Content: Laboratory tuition in the following: (Level 1)

• Washing artefacts
• Numbering artefacts
• Basic conservation
• Artefact illustration
• Artefact cataloguing
• Artefact photography
• Data entry and analysis
• Sample washing
• Sample sieving and flotation
• Inking up excavation drawings
• Digitising excavation drawings

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No Academic Credits are available for this course.

Certificate

The Caherconnell Archaeological Field School will award appropriate certificates to trainees completing these course, signed by the School directors. Individual letters of reference will be available on request.