Introducing Archaeology - Level 3 Certificate

Introducing Archaeology offers a broad introduction to the processes of investigating past societies.

We'll examine a wide range of international case studies to discover the methods and techniques archaeologists use, and learn what they can tell us about how people lived and died in their ancient worlds.

We'll gain fascinating insights into all of the key stages of an archaeological project: from the initial phases of research in libraries and archives, through processes of site survey and excavation, to the post-excavation analysis of artefacts and materials.

Finally, we'll adopt a global perspective to look at current threats to important archaeological sites around the world, and explore how you could get involved and make a meaningful contribution to this exciting discipline.

Certificate of completion

Digital certificate - Included

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

• Discuss the development of archaeology as a discipline, including major theories and approaches;
• Evaluate the significance of key sites and archaeological case studies from a range of countries and periods;
• Describe some of the key methods and techniques used in modern archaeological fieldwork, survey and artefact analysis;
• Identify major current issues in the protection of important heritage sites;
• Develop a personal action plan for becoming more involved in archaeology after the course.

Syllabus

In this course we explore the following topics:

• What is archaeology? Exploring definitions;
• Desk-based and archival research;
• Field survey;
• Excavation: strategies and techniques;
• Archaeological recording;
• Principles of archaeological photography;
• Artefacts: processing and analysis;
• Conservation issues: protecting world heritage;
• Want to be an archaeologist? Getting involved.

Tutor

Dr. Mark Anderson is the course instructor. He is a Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London, and a tutor in archaeology and anthropology at the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education.

Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is the author of Marothodi: The Historical Archaeology of an African Capital.

This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about the processes involved in archaeological investigation. You may have a general interest in finding out what actually goes on in those muddy trenches, or maybe you want to deepen your understanding of scientific archaeological methods. Perhaps you're thinking about a new career and you want to learn more about what professional archaeologists do.

If you are new to studying online you'll get plenty of support, including free access to a bonus course – Preparing for Online Learning – to help you get the most from your investment. Plus, our tutors and learning support team are always here to help you succeed.

The course is designed as an introduction to archaeological principles and practice, so no prior knowledge or experience is required. If you do have some experience, there will be opportunities for you to build upon this by engaging more deeply with specific topics of interest.

This course provides a foundation that could lead to a range of cultural resource management (CRM) careers, including field archaeologist (leading to archaeological supervisor and project manager), heritage conservationist, finds specialist, materials analyst, archivist or surveyor. There are many related careers that value the transferable skills developed through archaeological practice.