Chiltern Archaeology professional training course:

Geology for Archaeologists:

1. Rocks, landscapes and sources

A two day course: early 2013 date tbd, £220

one day hands-on experience and one day in the field

Day 1: Lecture and hands on, Buckingham

Day 2: Rocks, landscapes and building stones – in the field

The aim of this course is to introduce some geological skills which are of use to archaeologists. The hands-on approach will allow participants to acquire a good working knowledge of the basics of maps, rock identification, descriptive and interpretive work. The fieldwork element will allow practice of these skills. Participants can use one of their own sites to work on with guidance. A large handout will be supplied full of useful tools and advice.

Geological knowledge is often crucial to understanding archaeology. It includes understanding the landscape, soil qualities, water sources and location of resources such as building stone, metal ores or clays for pots. It is also needed to identify and source lithic artefacts.

In addition, a geological overview should be included in every archaeological report, but this is often missing or is woefully inadequate, or it uses out-of-date terminology.

[A follow-on course: 2. Interpreting sediments and environments will be run later in 2012]

This course seeks to address all the points overleaf and will provide archaeologists with a working knowledge and skills in the following areas:

	Using geological maps to produce an overview for a project report.
	Using geological maps to provide an insight into local resources, source materials for lithic artefacts or building stone, soil types and landscape.
	Identification of the main categories of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and minerals.
	Using real artefacts to practise skills gained from the rock ID training.
	Developing the correct observations and terminology to enable rock description, and to apply this to describing artefacts and building stones.
	Using a geological map in the field to understand landscape.
	Identifying local rocks exposed in the field and to assess and evaluate the building materials seen in various local monuments and buildings.

Participants can bring items relevant to a current project if they wish, e.g. the geological map for their site or artefacts which require identification. These materials can then form part of the hands-on work. However, there will be a huge variety of rocks, minerals, maps, artefacts and building stones available for study. There will also be a large file of handouts which will prove invaluable for future application of these skills.

The trainer:

The training will be given by Dr Jill Eyers who is Director of Chiltern Archaeology, a professional geologist and an experienced lecturer.

The venue:

The venue is to be confirmed shortly, in Buckingham.

Location:

Full details with a map will be sent on registration.

The cost for the two days is £220

Enquiries: send enquiries to j.eyers@btopenworld.com or to the address below. Telephone: 01494 881325.

To enrol: please send a cheque made payable to ‘Chiltern Archaeology’ 13 Pusey Way, Lane End, High Wycombe , Bucks, HP14 3LG or generate a BACS order.

A booked place can be transferred to another member of staff. A certificate of completion will be provided.