Archaeology of Prehistoric Britain
Time: 12:45 - 14:45
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: HHA01
- Dates: 06/05/25 - 15/07/25
- Time: 12:45 - 14:45
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Jill Hummerstone
Course Code: HHA01
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
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What is the course about?
We will study the remains of prehistoric Britain period by period, from the earliest human occupation in the British Isles to the Roman invasion.
This will provide a general grounding in the prehistoric archaeology of the British Isles; and by looking at archaeological sites and monuments, and material culture we will see how archaeologists interpret life in prehistoric Britain.
What will we cover?
We will look at the period both chronologically and with analysis of key themes as we go through the course.
After an introduction to British prehistory and the methods used by archaeologists to analyse past activity, periods subsequently covered will be the: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age, and the characteristics of each period will be described and examined.
We will looks at themes of trade, settlements, funerary monuments, finds and more. We will also look at how archaeologists and others over many centuries have interpreted the archaeology of prehistoric Britain, how this affects current views and what methods can be used to question past views and develop our own critical thinking.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Achieve a good knowledge of the type of sites and finds from the prehistoric period in the UK.
You will be able to name and describe specific sites and finds and you will be enthused to explore more when the course finishes.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge is required. However an enthusiasm for learning and an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course. You should be able to analyse and comment upon the archaeological evidence presented to you in the class. Practical work will involve handling archaeological materials whilst sitting down.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching is through presentations, tasks, small group activities, and contribution to class discussion. Each class will have an element of teaching, participation and practical work. There may be some reading provided by the tutor and students will be encouraged to carry out their own research.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring writing material- a pen and a notebook is sufficient. The tutor will recommend books or other materials you might like to buy or obtain from a library as the course progresses. However there is no requirement to incur further expenditure.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other archaeology courses starting in September. Please see the City Lit website.
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.