Module overview
This module will introduce you to the key theoretical and technical concepts used in maritime archaeology, along with its evidence base. It has been designed to provide an accelerated learning curve for those who are new to the subject area, developing core knowledge in archaeological method, theory and materials. It begins by analysing the development of the subject and its related areas of study in order to facilitate a better understanding of current theoretical approaches, management priorities and research potential for maritime archaeology, within the context of archaeology as a whole. This provides the platform from which to consider the scope of the subject in terms of the site types and classes of evidence available; from the Palaeolithic to present day, from landscape- to site-based scales of analysis. It also serves to demonstrate what is gained from adopting a maritime perspective and how this allows fundamental re-assessment of the wider archaeological record.
Case studies, practical sessions and fieldtrips will all be used to contextualise the knowledge gained throughout the course and broaden your archaeological experience. By the end of the module you will be familiar with the scope, potential and resource base of the discipline. You will have gained key skills in research, presentation and writing relevant to both academia and industry.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Produce academic/commercial standard reports and presentations
- Plan, design and implement data research/collection and presentation
- Learn and apply new practical and theoretical skills
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- An appreciation of the archaeological potential of boats, ships and associated material culture.
- An awareness of the potential of both submerged terrestrially deposited archaeology and the remains of seafaring activities.
- A broad understanding of the history of the development of maritime archaeology
- A broad knowledge of recent and current maritime research trends
- A basic grounding in the theoretical approaches to maritime archaeology, maritime cultures and maritime landscapes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand the nature of the marine environment and the potential for activity on it.
- Apply current theoretical approaches in maritime archaeology
- Evaluate and critique past and current theoretical approaches
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Assess a maritime landscape with respect to interpretation
- Undertake independent research in the above areas
- Assimilate and evaluate different theoretical perspectives
- Apply theoretical models to specific areas of maritime archaeological research and specific problems
Syllabus
Topics will typically cover the following:
- Introduction to Maritime Archaeology
- Theory & Practice in Maritime Archaeology
- Maritime Landscapes & Seascapes
- Maritime Cultures
- Maritime Ethnography
- Island Archaeology
- Technology and Innovation
- Navigation and Mental Maps
- Maritime Prehistory
- Historical Archaeology
- Maritime Archaeology, looking to the future
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Weekly formal lectures to introduce key topics, themes and areas of study
- Regular student led seminars
- Appropriate field trips if Covid-related restrictions are removed
Learning methods include:
- Directed learning through lectures/seminars
- Guided self-study
- Completion of two assignments
- Use of online resources
- Use of library resources
- Oral presentation preparation and delivery on key topics
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 11 |
| Lecture | 22 |
| Seminar | 6 |
| External visits | 6 |
| Wider reading or practice | 44 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 44 |
| Completion of assessment task | 17 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Garrow, D. and Sturt, F (2011). Grey Waters Bright with Neolithic Argonauts? Maritime connections and the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition with the ‘western seaways’ of Britain, c. 5000-3500 BC.. Antiquity, Antiquity 85 (327) p. 59-72.
Cooney, G (2004). Introduction: seeing land from the sea. World Archaeology. , 35(3), 323-8.
Ingold, T (1993). The temporality of the landscape. World Archaeology. Conceptions of Time and Ancient Society, 25:2.
Blue, L (2003). Maritime Ethnography: The Reality of Analogy. Boats, Ships and Shipyards. Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium of Boat and Ship Archaeology, Venice 2000: 334-338. Oxford: Oxbow Books..
Farr, H (2004). Seafaring as Social Action. Journal of Maritime Archaeology, 1(1).
Westerdahl, C. (1992). The maritime cultural landscape. , IJNA 21.1: 5-14.
Textbooks
Steffy, J. R. (1994). Wooden Shipbuilding and the Interpretation of Shipwrecks.. Texas A&M University Press.
Lucas, G. (2012). Understanding the Archaeological Record. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Green, J. (2009). Maritime Archaeology, a Technical Handbook. London: Academic Press.
Rainbird, P. (2007). The Archaeology of Islands. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McGrail, S. (1998). Ancient Boats in North West Europe. London: : Longman.
Muckelroy, K. (1978). Maritime Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hocker, F. M. & Ward, C. A. (2004). The Philosophy of Shipbuilding. Conceptual Approaches to the Study of Wooden Ships. College Station: Texas A & M University Press.
Adams, J. (2003). Ships, Innovation and Social Change. Aspects of carvel Shipbuilding in Northern Europe 1450 – 1850 [Archaeology to provide PDF.]. Stockholm: University of Stockholm.
Gould, R.A. (2011). Archaeology and the Social History of Ships. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gardiner, R. (2004). The Earliest Ships. The Evolution of Boats into Ships. Conway History of the Ship. London: Conway Maritime Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Informal feedback will provided throughout the module via lectures, practicals, seminars and supervisions. Detailed and constructive written feedback will be given for all assignments submitted.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 30% |
| Research essay | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External