ARMIDB-Issues and Debates in Bioarchaeology

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Gundula Müldner
Email: g.h.mueldner@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides graduate students with a conceptual understanding of human bioarchaeology that enables them to evaluate the nature of the evidence used in the discipline, to critically assess arguments and interpretations and to evaluate their appropriateness for different research questions.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the interpretive frameworks used to understand human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts, and a critical awareness of central issues within human bioarchaeology that can be applied to both the optional modules and the dissertation.

Intended learning outcomes:

Provide a conceptual understanding of key approaches and debates in human bioarchaeology and develop skills in the critical reading and appraisal of publications in the field.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify and describe the main theoretical frameworks and contextual approaches in bioarchaeology;


• evaluate critically their appropriateness for different projects and research questions;


• evaluate critically the inferences which can be made about past human life experience;


• evaluate and critique different types of publications in the field and communicate the outcome orally and in writing;


• integrate scientific and social perspectives in the interpretation of the past.

Additional outcomes:

The module also promotes the development of advanced problem-solving and analytical skills by demonstrating how knowledge can be gained by analyses of diverse, complex, and incomplete data and the interpretations derived from them. Seminar presentations and the selection of individual assignment topics encourage independent learning, communication skills and the exercise of initiative.

Outline content:

This module is structured to consider the main theoretical approaches and contextual frameworks used in human bioarchaeology and associated methodological debates, including approaches to age and the life-course, sex and gender, race and ancestry as well as violence and conflict. Sessions will provide introductions to the subject matter and lead on to structured discussions, based on seminar presentations and prepared reading about methodological issues and key debates in the field.

Global context:
The module draws upon case studies worldwide.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, seminars and structured group discussion requiring preparatory reading. Students will present a seminar paper (assessed) about one of the themes.

This is a 10 credit module, which means that it is intended to occupy you for 100 hours of work: seminar preparation, background reading, reading for and writing the monograph critique. With that in mind you might like to think of your independent self-study time as follows:

15 hours engaged in reading and note takin g from 􀀑key texts􀀒 for each week
25 hours preparation for seminars including seminar presentation.
40 hours engaged in reading, preparation and writing your critique

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework (c. 2000 words) – 70%

Presentation – 30%

Submission of coursework and presentations on dates set by the Department

Formative assessment methods:

Structured seminar discussions will give opportunity for self- and peer-assessment and immediate informal feedback on progression and performance by the module leaders.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: