Landscapes and Seascapes of Britain’s Past

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The basic landscape types and monument classes of British archaeology
• Make connections between those sequences and patterns and underlying historical processes
• The basic chronology of British prehistory and historic archaeology
• Some of the conceptual/theoretical issues in landscape and maritime archaeology
• Some of the practical techniques of landscape and maritime archaeology
• Describe basic sequences and regional/geographical patterns in landscape and seascape

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse landscape settings in terms of their constituent parts
• Understand ideas of pattern and process
• Be able to critique and evaluate information and ideas (in relation to understanding of land- and seascape)

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Observe and interpret archaeological features in the field
• Appreciate the links between geological and archaeological patterning
• Understand local landscapes, for example Hampshire and the Solent Channel, in terms of wider sequences and patterns
• Interpret archaeological features on an Ordnance Survey map, air photo etc.

This module will introduce you to some of the basic patterns and processes underlying the varied landscapes and seascapes of the British Isles. A central ‘spine’ of lectures will cover basic issues of chronology and regional variation, and introduce conceptual issues such as the relationship between geology and the formation of the archaeological record. There will be strong emphasis on field trips and the field experience, and the use of field study in familiarising students with the archaeological landscapes and seascapes of the British Isles. The intended outcome of the course is for students to be able to go back to their local landscapes, to look at an air photo or a map, and to have acquired the ability to understand what they observe in terms of wider archaeological and historical sequences and processes, even where their background knowledge of locality is limited.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Field trips

The Field Visits are an integral part of this module.

In accordance with the University’s commitment to inclusivity, we welcome applications onto this course module from students with disabilities. If you have a disability and wish to discuss in confidence any issues relating to your application for this module, please contact the module convenor Kristian Strutt at kds@soton.ac.uk.

Learning activities include

• Background reading
• Preparation of a learning journal
• Essay preparation

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Hunter, J. and Ralston, I. (eds) (2002). The Archaeology of Britain from the Palaeolithic to the Industrial Revolution. London: Routledge.

Fox, Sir C. (1947). The Personality of Britain. National Museum of Wales.

Williamson, T. and Bellamy, L.. Property and Landscape. Sutton.

Glasscock, R. (ed.). Historic Landscapes of Britain From the Air. Cambridge University.

Bradley, R. (2000). An Archaeology of Natural Places. London: Routledge.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External