Certificate of Achievement

Sandra Spruce

has completed the following course:

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

University of Reading

This introductory course explored archaeology from planning where to dig, to the analysis and archiving of artefacts back at the lab. It investigated the methods that can be employed in studying the dead and what skeletal remains can tell us about the lives and health of our ancestors.

2 weeks, 3 hours per week

Dr Duncan Garrow

Associate Professor of Archaeology

University of Reading

Transcript

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how an archaeological dig works, from the planning stages, through excavation, to the analysis and storage of artefacts
  • Summarise the basic characteristics of all archaeological periods from the Mesolithic to the post-medieval period (c.8000 BC–AD 1900)
  • Describe the main ways in which archaeologists analyse human skeletons
  • Debate some of the key issues facing archaeology today
  • Understand the transferable skills you will acquire from studying archaeology

Syllabus

Week 1:

  • The transferable skills needed to be an archaeologist
  • Introduction to the Neolithic period
  • Planning an excavation
  • How does a dig work?
  • Storing, handling, recording and transporting artefacts

Week 2:

  • Introduction to the medieval period
  • Human bone analysis
  • Archaeological science: what can isotopes in bone tell us?
  • Museums: the ethics of storage and display

Issued on 7th July 2018

The person named on this certificate has completed the activities in the transcript above. For more information about Certificates of Achievement and the effort required to become eligible, visit futurelearn.com/proof-of-learning/certificate-of-achievement.

This certificate represents proof of learning. It is not a formal qualification, degree, or part of a degree.

Free online course:

Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond

University of Reading