Archaeology of Standing Buildings

Module code: AR7024

This module begins by considering the theoretical debates about the archaeological study of buildings, and the chronological frameworks in which the study is set. By analysing the evolution and development of building types in their archaeological context, you’ll start to distinguish between the different functions and social, symbolic or ritual meanings of buildings.

You’ll get the chance to evaluate, discuss and communicate on topics surrounding the research behind the recording of buildings, and practise recording exercises on a building and its context. This module aims to:

• Introduce the concept of listing and scheduling of historic (and other) buildings
• Introduce the different archaeological approaches to standing buildings
• Enable you to recognise different types of buildings and their materials
• Demonstrate how to work out the chronology of a building in both relative and absolute terms
• Introduce you to the different methods used for recording a building or group of buildings
• Enable you to design and undertake an outline building recording project.

Topics covered

• Current UK practice on the recording, designating and scheduling of historic buildings
• Theoretical debates about the archaeological study of buildings, and the chronological frameworks in which that study is set
• Analysis of the general evolution and development of building types in their archaeological context
• The different functions and the social, symbolic or ritual meanings of buildings
• Critical discussion of the research agenda behind the recording of buildings
• Planning of evaluations and the undertaking of a detailed recording exercise and analysis on a building and its context