UCL - Excavation techniques: theory and practice

[ARKE1251]

[22.5h] 3 credits

This course is taught in the 2d semester.

Teacher(s): Raymond Brulet

Language: French

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods

Aims

At the end of the lesson, the student will initiated to methods applied to archaeological researches on the field and will understand steps relating to archaeological excavations, to preparation of works and to recording of data. At the end of practical training period, he will be able to acquire the experience of these steps.

Main themes

Discover the importance of field archaeology. Start to learn about steps of the archaeology which prepares the organization of an archaeological work. Differentiate the methods of excavations and envisage the choice of methods appropriated to every particular case. Conceive the recording of files on the field. Learn to interpret results acquired with the aim of the preparation of the rapport of excavations. Be confronted on the field to a practical experience.

Content and teaching methods

Lesson constitutes an introduction to the archaeological methods applied to researches on the field. It envisages successively steps of the archaeologist, the organization of research, methods of excavations, recording of data and interpretation of results. Archaeological excavations search are based on the choice of a method and on the establishment of a system of topographical reference. The techniques excavations are notably presented in touch with particular cases : prehistoric excavations, architectural archaeology, on perishable structures, archaeology of cemeteries and churches, in underwater and submerged context, urban archaeology. Lesson will consist of a theoretical education and a practical training period on the field. The obligatory training period, directly linked to theoretical lesson, is of a week.