Yearbooks

Programme: BAHons Archaeology

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Code Faculty
01240183 Faculty of Humanities
Credits Duration
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120
Contact:
Dr A Antonites
[email protected]
+27 (0)124206490
Prof I Pikirayi
[email protected]
+27 (0)124204661

Programme information

The honours degree entails one year of full-time study and comprises of coursework, field and laboratory work, and examinations. A research report of 10 000 words, based on either field or collections-based research, must be completed by the end of the academic year.

Students are required to attend relevant departmental seminars as well as local conferences to present aspects of their research project. A poster presentation of their research report is strongly recommended.

Students must conduct at least eight (8) weeks of fieldwork by the end of the honours programme and demonstrate mastery over basic field techniques.

Admission requirements

  • A three-year bachelor’s degree with a credit value of at least 360 of which a minimum of 120 must have been obtained for Archaeology or closely related discipline. At least 60 of these 120 credits must be at third-year level.
  • A 65% average in Archaeology at third-year level is strongly recommended for admission.
  •  Applicants with less than 65% and those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree at another institution may have to sit for an admissions examination to the satisfaction of the programme manager and in consultation with the Archaeology programme coordinator.
  • Students who want to pursue a career in Forensic Archaeology must include ANA 122, ANA 215 and ANA 315 in their BA degree programme and take Archaeology as a major until third-year level.

Additional requirements

  • Applicants with less than 65% and those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree at another institution may have to sit for an admissions examination to the satisfaction of the programme manager and in consultation with the Archaeology programme coordinator.
  • Students who want to pursue a career in Forensic Archaeology must include ANA 122, ANA 215 and ANA 315 in their BA degree programme and take Archaeology as a major until third-year level.

Minimum credits: 120

Note:

  • The honours degree entails one year of full-time study and comprises of coursework, field and laboratory work, and examinations. A research report of 10 000 words, based on either field or collections-based research, must be completed by the end of the academic year.
  • Students are required to attend relevant departmental seminars as well as local conferences to present aspects of their research project. A poster presentation of their research report is strongly recommended.
  • Students must conduct at least eight (8) weeks of fieldwork by the end of the honours programme and demonstrate mastery over basic field techniques.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Advanced archaeological theory
    In-depth, participative seminar-style examination of the function of archaeological theory and its development globally and in Africa. Covers cutting-edge theoretical developments such as landscape, gender and agency. Students will also be taught core-research skills to enhance critical thinking and evaluation.

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  • Module content:

    Advanced archaeological method and interpretation
    In-depth, participative seminar style examination of field and laboratory techniques. Examines the history, scope and potential biases and strong points of a range of archaeological techniques and methods. Students will be taught the fundamentals of research design, implementation and analysis, with a focus on specialist methods/techniques available within the Department (e.g. material science research). Emphasis will be placed on practical, hands-on teaching.

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  • Module content:

    This module will cover a range of contemporary issues in archaeology, ranging from the emergence of social complexity and state systems in southern Africa, to the understanding of material culture in the archaeological record. The module content is intended to be dynamic, reflecting contemporary trends and emerging issues, whilst being anchored in the core research themes and specialities of the Department.

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  • Module content:

    Throughout the year, students will work on their research report, developing a research proposal and question, conducting relevant data collection, and writing up the results into a 10,000 word research report. Students will meet regularly with their supervisor, who will be identified at the beginning of the year.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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