AR3F1: "Post-Excavation: assessment, analysis & publication in the profession"

Module code: AR3F1

Module provider: Archaeology; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Ms Amanda Clarke , email: a.s.clarke@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 25 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides you with an experience of post excavation techniques, which will help prepare you for employment with professional archaeological units and could provide a basis for museum and heritage careers. This module offers a practical introduction to post excavation techniques, building on the practical excavation and recording skills gained at the Archaeology Field School. Through the analysis of the records of a departmental excavation, you will learn how to create a dated stratigraphic sequence as part of a post-excavation site report. Using data from departmental projects, you will learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create maps, as part of the site report. Assessment will be by the production of a post-excavation site report (including a phased matrix) and a mock interview for a job in a professional organisation. The module will also include introduction to the legal and planning policy framework of professional archaeology, preparation of a Written Scheme of Investigation and working with archaeological databases and Historic England Records.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Understand the processes of pre-excavation, excavation and post excavation, with knowledge of the legal and planning policy framework of commercial archaeology
2. Create and analyse stratigraphic matrices using an archaeological database, and to integrate the finds and environmental evidence with the stratigraphic evidence from an archaeological excavation
3. Learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to create maps, as part of a site report
4. Phase an archaeological site using spot dates, and, from this to prepare a report on an archaeological site investigation incorporating illustrations and photographs

Module content

At the start of Semester 2 you will attend a session on careers and employment within professional archaeology. This will include a short workshop on CV’s, Cover Letters and interview skills. You will have 2 x 1 hour lectures each week on different aspects of post-excavation. Additionally, there will be a 1- hour optional workshop each week where you will gain additional practical experience of working with site records, site publications and data. Optional sampling and data entry workshops will also take place during the term.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This is a practical module utilising records from current departmental excavations. As well as weekly lectures by members of departmental staff, there will be contributions by professional specialists. You will reflect on your learning experience by reference to your Archaeology Skills Passport. This will allow you to not only monitor the different post excavation skills gained, but also to critically assess your performance. The module will be taught primarily through lectures, discussion seminars and workshops. The module will also include practical sessions. The module fieldtrip is to a professional archaeology unit.

Study hours

At least 38 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further