This course offers a framework, partly empirical, partly conceptual, whereby to engage with the problems of investigating and interpreting Late Roman and Byzantine archaeology. It introduces all the major types of evidence (artefactual, topographical, monumental, environmental), deploying them to test reassessments of major debates in Late Roman and Byzantine Studies. Tutorial readings introduce archaeology as an intellectual practice within Late Roman and Byzantine historical enquiry, focusing upon archaeology's developing contributions to economic, cultural and politico-administrative history, and evaluation of best practice in excavation, survey, recording and publication.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Module, students should be able to:
Recognise key aspects of Late Roman and Dark-Age material culture.
Understand the problems and benefits of different archaeological strategies in the analysis of Byzantine evidence.
Use several kinds of archaeological evidence to discuss historians' views of economic, social and political changes in the period ca. 300-800.
Undertake independent research into a topic within the field at a professional level, and present it in a coherent, professional written form.
Assessment
40117-01 : Essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment
1 x 4,000 word assignment (100%).
Method of Reassessment Resubmission of assessment.
