Archaeology of London
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Keeley Street
Tutor: Jill Hummerstone. Tutor :Jill Hummerstone.
Course Code: HLW103
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
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What is the course about?
This course will explore some of the fascinating archaeological evidence for London’s past. We will discuss key
‘moments’ in the development of London, and visit some of the material remains and relics of one of the world’s great cities and its people. We will also consider the challenges and opportunities of urban archaeology.
What will we cover?
Using a broadly chronological approach, we will discuss the development of London from prehistory to the present.
Undertaking mostly class-based sessions and fieldtrips we will discuss different moments in the history of London. We will consider some of the determinants of growth in the evolution of the capital, exploring such issues as the role of the Thames, population change, marketing and trade, defence and administration to discover what life was like for the people of London during different periods of the capital's history.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have an enhanced appreciation of the remains of prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval London, including archaeological sites, features and finds.
Recognise some of the factors influencing the development of London
Have an understanding of some types of urban archaeological research.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at beginners who have an interest in London and its archaeology. You will be encouraged to
participate in activities & discussions throughout the course, and your enjoyment and benefit from it will be enhanced if you approach this course with an open and critical mind and an enthusiasm for learning. On joining the class you should be able to read and comment upon articles and extracts from archaeological texts, journals and websites. You are encouraged to spend time outside the class on independent learning, through private study.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A broad range of teaching methods will be used throughout the course, acknowledging that students learn in
different ways and have different experiences of learning. The format of the two-hour class meetings will vary
week by week but will include formal lectures, group-work and feedback, as well as hands-on activities, and
fieldtrips. You should be prepared to contribute to discussion and good natured debate, and be able to participate
in outdoor activities and fieldtrips.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Writing materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HLW223 Archaeology of London's Gardens
HLW224 Archaeology of Southwark.
Jill Hummerstone has worked in the heritage sector for over 30 years: as a field archaeologist, for English Heritage, and latterly as a self employed consultant. She is a tutor of adults and children in archaeology, a subject she has loved since tramping the countryside looking for finds as a child. Jill graduated with a BA honours from the Institute of Archaeology, UCL and gained an MA in Managing Archaeological Sites also from the Institute. Her interests include field archaeology techniques, finds and conservation, management of archaeological sites, British Prehistory, the Archaeology of London, Garden Archaeology and indeed all archaeological sites up to the present day. She is as interested in the mundane finds which tell us about individuals in the past as she is in more spectacular finds. Jill believes that archaeology is a subject for all with an interest, and enjoys encouraging debate and critical thought amongst her classes- not just looking passively at the past but engaging with our diverse past, and finding meaning in artefacts and sites in a way accessible and enjoyable to all.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
