ARMR3D-Archaeological Graphics

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

Module Convenor: Ms Sarah Lambert-Gates
Email: s.m.lambert-gates@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to produce publication standard illustrations consistent with current professional practice in archaeology.

Aims:

The module provides an overview of the role of graphic communication in archaeology, a reasonable level of practical competence in Adobe software and an understanding of technical issues involved in producing different types of illustration. The specific areas of archaeological illustration covered in practice are: the layout of display material and the preparation of illustrations for academic publication.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that you will have gained:

• An ability to communicate archaeological information effectively through graphics.


• Computer graphics skills in drawing, layout and digital imaging to present archaeological research and interpretations as posters and for academic journal publication.

Additional outcomes:

You will also gain an understanding of archaeological illustration as a profession and issues relating to publication and printing. Practical sessions will build confidence in using unfamiliar software and provide the opportunity to develop technical drawing skills. Preparing graphics for projection and the web will also be covered.

Outline content:

Lectures and workshops will give an overview of the development and range of visual communication in archaeology and of aspects of production. Alongside these will run a programme of practical hands-on drawing sessions in computer graphics, using Adobe Illustrator and GIMP. Practical tasks will allow you to produce maps and plans for research publication and to design an interpretive display panel/leaflet for an archaeological site.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises 9 practical sessions of 3 hours. Starting with an introduction in the form of an informal lecture/ discussion at the beginning each session, followed by between one and three practical exercises. You are guided through each step, though you are free to move on more quickly if you desire. There are accompanying hand-outs for the exercises and some screencasts. Due to the small number of students in the class you receive 1 to 1 assistance and advice during each session. The session is broken up by further discussion and advice about the wider practical applications of the skills being learnt. We also look at published examples. In Week 10 you will use the time available to complete the coursework in a classroom setting and discuss any issues arising from it.