It came to my notice last night that in my eagerness to post news of this
course I had inadvertently attached the wrong version of the text. The
correct version is below, though there is really very little difference
between the two. Apologies.
Tony
MLitt/PgDip Battlefield Archaeology
Glasgow University
This unique course reflects the important role which the Department of
Archaeology at Glasgow University has played in the development of
archaeological approaches to battlefields. Over recent years battlefields,
both ancient and modern, have come to be accepted as important elements of
the world's cultural heritage and this course will provide an ideal
grounding for those interested in the archaeological potential of these
fields of conflict. The course is centred within the recently founded Centre
for Battlefield Archaeology at the Department of Archaeology but will draw
on a wide range of experts in order to familiarise the student with the
latest developments in this rapidly expanding field of study. In addition to
taught elements the course will encourage students to engage with the
subject on a practical basis and will involve fieldtrips to a number of
battlefields relevant to their studies.
Entry Requirements
An upper-second class Honours degree in Archaeology or other relevant
discipline (e.g. History, Geography, Anthropology, Classics); or other
appropriate qualification; or suitable experience.
Programme Structure
The taught part of the course will extend over twenty weeks across semesters
one and two and consists of three compulsory core modules, which will
provide a general framework for the archaeological study of battlefields,
accompanied by three more specialised optional modules. The three core
modules will involve a total of ten seminars or tutorials, while the three
optional modules will each consist of five seminars or tutorials.
For MLitt students this taught element is followed by period of self-study
leading towards the dissertation during the summer
Core Modules
The core modules provide a secure grounding in the study of battlefield
archaeology:
. Research Skills: designed to give students training and support in a
wide variety of research methods tailored to their individual requirements,
including library skills, humanities computing, writing and presenting
papers, etc.
. The Art of War: in conjunction with the Scottish Centre for War
Studies, this module will provide an introduction to the study of battle in
its various forms, ranging from prehistoric conflict up to the twentieth
century. An understanding of the way that changing tactics and technology
have influenced the character of battle over time is essential in any
attempt to interpret the physical traces left behind after these bloody
events. Additionally, case studies from various parts of the world will be
used to examine the cultural and social implications of warfare. The
relationship between history and archaeology will be explored through an
introduction to using historical sources as a framework for archaeological
research.
. Battlefield Archaeology - Theory and Practice: Placing the
sub-discipline within the context of the wider field of landscape
archaeology this module will explore the various implications of
battlefields as culturally important sites and examine the nature of the
archaeological record. Through case studies based on projects carried out by
members of the Centre and by other researchers students will be introduced
to the various techniques used to investigate battlefields, with the study
of material culture representing an essential stepping stone to
interpretation (for some elements students will have access to Glasgow
Museum's very impressive arms and armour collections). The preservation and
presentation of battlefields will also be considered, with battlefields
presenting a number of particular challenges and problems for cultural
resource managers.
Optional Modules
The optional modules will allow you to explore particular areas of study in
more detail. These modules draw upon the particular interests and expertise
of the contributing staff and therefore the options available may vary
slightly depending on staff availability and are also subject to a minimum
number of students. Please contact us to confirm likely availability of
optional modules in any given year.
You must choose three options, two of which must come from the following:
. Roman Warfare
. Medieval Weapons and Warfare
. Early Modern Warfare
. British Battlefields
You may also choose any one of the specialist modules offered in the MLitt
Professional Archaeology:
. Archaeological Geophysics
. Aerial Photography
. Archaeological Data Management
. Using CAD for Archaeological Projects
. Archaeological Illustration
. Advanced Survey Techniques
. Human Remains
Dissertation
The MLitt Dissertation is a sustained piece of scholarly work on a topic to
be agreed between the convenor and the student and is undertaken between
June and September.
Assessment
Assessment is entirely on the basis of course work (essays, seminar
presentations etc.). Progression to the MLitt dissertation will require
performance at MLitt level across the coursework elements, and an assessed
presentation will be made at an annual postgraduate symposium on the
proposed dissertation topic.
Fieldwork
The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology is actively engaged in a number of
field projects, both within the UK and overseas. Past and present projects
include the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 in South Africa, the Jacobite rebellions
in Scotland and an archaeological evaluation of British battlefields. Where
ever possible students will be encouraged to take part in on-going projects.
Visits to battlefields will also represent an important part of the course -
Bannockburn and Culloden among them.
Application and Enquiries
Please refer to the Dept. of Archaeology website at:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/courses/postgraduate/battarch.h
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or contact Dr. Tony Pollard, Director, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology,
University of Glasgow at: [log in to unmask]
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