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This module provides a broad introduction to the study of ceramics in archaeology and demonstrates their role in interpreting various aspects of past societies. The module is composed of lectures, museum visits, fieldwork and artefact handling.

Following a broad introduction to the wide spectrum of world ceramic types and traditions, the module will focus on the ceramic production sequence and the role of ethnography, experimentation and scientific analysis in interpreting past technology and its embedded cultural information. The key topics of distribution, use and discard will also be addressed. The module will provide practical guidelines for the recording and classification of ceramic sherds within archaeology, as well as an overview of the range of specialist laboratory analyses that may be applied to assemblages. The module provides a solid introduction for students interested in ceramics-based dissertations or wishing to study ceramics at post-graduate level.

Aims and Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module participants should:

• Be familiar with the different types of archaeological ceramics

• Be familiar with the role of ceramics in interpreting the past

• Be familiar with the physical processes of pottery production

• Be aware of the relevance of the societal context within which ceramic production,

distribution and consumption took place

• Have an overview of archaeological approaches to the collection, analysis and

interpretation of ceramics

• Be able to evaluate critically published work relating to archaeological ceramics

• Be able to evaluate the relevance and applicability of various methods of ceramic analysis

• Be able to devise an effective research plan for the analysis of archaeological ceramic

material

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