Program Overview

AHIS3001 Material Culture and Museum Studies

Unit Description

An advanced level study of some of the most common categories of material in the ancient world, including metals, stones, clay, animal and plant based fibers, timber and ivory, and various genres of materials production such as architecture, ceramics, sculpture, weaponry and equestrian equipment, with particular emphasis on technology, manufacture, function, style, iconography, chronology and spatial distribution. Material will normally be drawn from a diverse range of cultures, with specific physical examples from the collections of the Museum of Ancient Cultures, and may vary from year to year. Relying on this background, and in parallel, students will also be introduced to the history of museums and museum collections, the illicit trade of antiquities, the manufacture of forgeries, the participation of public museums and private collectors and related repercussions for the reconstruction of the historical record.

General Information

• Unit convenor and teaching staff: Kenneth Sheedy, Lecturer Javier Alvarez-Mon
• Credit points: 10
• Prerequisites: 130cp at 1000 level or above or (20cp in AHIS or AHST units at 2000 level)
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged status: None

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Understand ancient materials and the cultural contexts in which they were used
• Evaluate methodological and ethical issues associated with the role of Museums in the collection and exhibition of artifacts
• Acquire skills necessary for research analysis and interpretations
• Deliver a power point oral presentation paper and communicate effectively with teaching staff and peers

Assessment Tasks

• Research Essay: 35% (Due: Monday 3/11/2025)
• Media Presentation: 35% (Due: Monday 15/9/2025)
• Quiz: 30% (Due: Sunday for weeks 2-8, 9-11)

Assessment Details

Research Essay

• Assessment Type: Essay
• Indicative Time on Task: 35 hours
• Weighting: 35%
• Description: Long essay (2000 words long)

Media Presentation

• Assessment Type: Media presentation
• Indicative Time on Task: 16 hours
• Weighting: 35%
• Description: Students prepare a video on a selected topic for 'mini-conference' presentation

Quiz

• Assessment Type: Quiz/Test
• Indicative Time on Task: 12 hours
• Weighting: 30%
• Description: Quiz on weekly lectures and set readings

Delivery and Resources

• All lectures are recorded
• Students are expected to attend all tutorials unless they are external students
• External students must contribute to a weekly forum

Policies and Procedures

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Student Support

• Academic Success provides resources to develop English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills
• The Library provides online and face-to-face support to help students find and use relevant information resources
• IT Support
• Accessibility and disability support with study
• Mental health support
• Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual assault
• Social support including information about finances, tenancy, and legal issues
• Student Advocacy provides independent advice on university policies, procedures, and processes