This course is designed to provide students with a practical introduction to basic archaeological field and laboratory methods at the graduate level. Its focus is on on techniques of excavation, archaeological stratigraphy, the recording of artefacts and the analysis and interpretation of structures, features and excavated materials. The course comprises field experience at a mock site on the ANU Campus.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- excavate an archaeological site and keep records;
- inventory artefacts in the field;
- accurately map a site;
- create a field report; and
- understand the significance of archaeological stratigraphy and the application of scientific methods in the field.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
The course comprises field experience at a mock archaeological dig site on the ANU Campus.
Other Information
N/A
Indicative Assessment
- Portfolio/Practical book (Personal excavation 'diary' itemising the processes of excavation, mapping, curation) (2000 words) (20) [LO 1,2]
- Site report describing the excavation process and findings of research (2000 words) (20) [LO 4]
- Class tests, 40 minutes each (20% each for a total of 40%) (40) [LO 1,3]
- Field notes, stratigraphic illustrations and information on procedures of scientific sampling in the field (1000 words) (20) [LO 1,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 48 hours of contact over 2 weeks: 8 hours of lectures and 40 hours of field instruction or structured learning activities; and
b) 82 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
H. Burke & C. Smith 2004 The Archaeologist’s Field Handbook, Allen & Unwin.
Preliminary Reading
Barker, P. 1993 Techniques of Archaeological Excavation. London: Batsford.
Coles, J. 1977 Field Archaeology in Britain. London: Methuen.
Connah, G. (ed.) 1983 Australian Field Archaeology: a guide to techniques. Canberra: Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies. (A.I.A.S. Manual No.4).
Fladmark, K. A Guide to Basic Archaeological Field Procedures. Burnaby: Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University.
Flood, J. F., I. Johnson and S. Sullivan (eds) 1989 Sites and Bytes: recording Aboriginal places in Australia. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. (Special Australian Heritage Publications No.8).
Frankel, D. 1991 Remains to be Seen: archaeological insights in to Australian prehistory. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire.
Gale, F. and J. Jacobs 1987 Tourists and the National Estate: procedures to protect Australia's heritage. Canberra: Australian Heritage Commission.
Hester, T. R., Shafer, H. J. and Feder, K. L. 1997 Field Methods in Archaeology. Mountain View, Calif.: Mayfield Publishing. (Seventh Edition or later).
Hogg, A. H. A. 1986 Surveying for Archaeologists and other Fieldworkers. London: Croom Helm.
Jonas, W. 1991 Consultation With Aboriginal People About Aboriginal Heritage. Canberra: Australian Heritage Commission.
Joukowsky, M. 1980 A Complete Manual of Field Archaeology: tools and techniques of field work for archaeologists. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
Marquis-Kyle, P. and M. Walker 1992 The Illustrated Burra Chapter: making good decisions about the care of important places. Sydney: Australia ICOMOS Inc.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8879 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |