Adult evening classes relating to archaeology 2007-2008
These courses are run by Birkbeck (University of London, Faculty of Continuing Education).
Any enquiries about booking places should be made to the Box Office 0870 444 3851 from 1 July 07 onwards.
London: Roman times to the Great Fire
Tutor: Robin Densem
Term 1: Monday 1 October 2007 for 11 weeks
Term 2: Monday 7 January 2008 for 11 weeks
Final classes: 10 December 2007 & 17 March 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £220/ £100 (cons)
London evolved from its Roman beginnings through periods of decay and destruction as Saxon, Viking and Norman invaders made their mark. This course will examine London's government, livery companies, mediaeval expansion in ecclesiastical ownership, and the cultural and physical effects of religious upheavals in the sixteenth century.
We will also consider how the increasing population in Tudor times affected citizens' commerce, health and social lives. The course concludes with a look at the Civil War and the Great Fire. There will be guided walks, and visits to the collections at both the London Metropolitan Archives and the MOL.
Everyday life in Medieval London: 1000-1500
Tutor: Vanessa King
Monday 7 April 2008 for 11 weeks
Final class: 30 June 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £100/ £55 (cons)
What did London look like between 886 and 1500? Where and how did Londoners live? What sis they eat and drink? How did they enjoy themselves and where did they go shopping? What illnesses did they suffer from and how were they treated? How did they deal with sanitation? These fascinating modules of everyday life based at the Museum of London will explore these and other questions.
Discovering Archaeology: studying the past
Tutor: Hedley Swain
Two terms: starting Tuesday 25 September 2007 for 24 weeks
Final class: 11 March 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £240/ £120 (cons)
A full introduction to the range of methods and activities that archaeologists use to understand the human past. Students will trace the development of the subject, explore the techniques employed to locate and excavate sites, consider how data may be used to interpret the past and learn how the findings are published.
London Bodies: an introduction to the study of human skeletal remains
Tutor: Lynne Cowal
Two terms: starting Wednesday 26 September 2007 for 24 weeks
Final class: 12 March 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £240/ £120 (cons)
An introduction to the analysis and archaeological application of human skeletal remains. Participants will learn: basic skeletal anatomy; aging and sexing techniques; juvenile development; introduction to skeletal pathology and trauma. They will have an unique opportunity to gain practical experience from the Museum's vast archaeological archive of skeletal remains. No prior knowledge is required.
Kings over everything: the archaeology of Britain within the Roman Empire
Tutor: Harvey Sheldon
Two terms: starting Tuesday 25 September 2007 for 24 weeks
Final class: 11 March 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £240/ £120 (cons)
In the interlude between 'the fog of prehistory' and the 'mist of the Dark Ages', Britain is relatively well illuminated. Yet much remains unclear. We will examine how archaeology contributes to an understanding of the character and development of Britain during the centuries or Rome’s imperial rule
The protection of cultural heritage
Tutor: Lynne Cowal
Starting: Monday 7 January 2008 for 11 weeks
Final class: 17 March 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £110/ £55 (cons)
Today, archaeological sites around the world are in severe danger from looting and pillage, driven by a lucrative market in illicit antiquities. Will there be anything left for future archaeologists to study? This module addresses ways of protecting and preserving the worlds’ archaeological, historical and cultural heritage.
We discuss ethical, educational and human rights issues as well as the rights of indigenous and minority groups. We will analyse the positions of archaeologists, antiquities dealers and private collectors and the role of museums and public institutions. Both national and international laws will be examined together with a number of detailed case studies. Visits to other museums and private galleries are included, as well as guest speakers.
Understanding archaeological excavations
Tutor: Harvey Sheldon
Starting: Tuesday 15 April 2008 for 11 weeks
Final class: 24 June 2008
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Cost: £110/ £55 (cons)
How are archaeological sites found? Why are they investigated? What do they tell us about landscapes and townscapes? You will examine how sites are located and surveyed, what methods of excavation and recording are used, and how the finds and records are researched and prepared for publication and archiving.