Undergraduate Courses – Department of Archaeology and Heritage Management

At the moment the department offers two degree programmes, general and a special degree in archaeology and heritage management for students.

B. A. (General) Degree Programme

Archaeology

Module code: HAH
Module Name: History, Archaeology and Heritage Management

HAH 1111 Introduction to History, Archaeology and Heritage Management
What is History
Why we should study history
History, language proficiency and the job market
Introduction to Sri Lankan history
Divisions in history
Definition of Archaeology
Introduction to History of Archaeology
Introduction to the concept of Archaeology
Introduction to Archaeology of Si Lanka
Introduction to Archaeological site in Sri Lanka
Definition of heritage
Introduction to History of Heritage Management
Introduction to concept of traditional World heritage of Heritage
Introduction to concept of World heritage and intervention of UNESCO
Introduction to traditional heritage management and conservation in Sri Lanka

Assessment Strategy
End Semester theory examination: 100%

ARCH 1212 Introduction to Archaeology
Interpretation of Archaeology
Origin of World Archaeology
Evolution and development of Archaeology
Modern Archaeology
Archaeology of South Asia
Approach to Sri Lankan Archaeology
Classical Archaeology
Modern era of Sri Lankan Archaeology
Sources used in Archaeology
Relationship between inter and multi disciplines of Archaeology
History and Archaeology
Chronology of Archaeology
Chronology of Indian Archaeology
Chronology of Sri Lankan Archaeology
Process of Archaeology

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 40%
End Semester theory examination : 60%

ARCH 1222 Field Archaeology I
Introduction to field Archaeology
Introduction to archaeological field exploration
Aim of archaeological field exploration
Non- field exploration
Field exploration
Aerial photography survey
Geophysical Survey
Introduction to archaeological excavation
Introduction to stratification
Preparedness for excavation of sites
Excavation methods
Study of vertical excavation method
Record of archaeological excavation
Metric context system
Records of Data

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 70%
End Semester theory examination : 30%

ARCH 2112 Field Archaeology II
Introduction to archaeological chronology
Methods of relative dating
Method of absolute dating
Archaeological classification
Pottery classification
Introduction to Archaeological conservation
International chapter for conservation
Conservation varieties
Conservation method of brick monuments
Conservation method of wood monuments
Conservation method of Stone monuments
Conservation method of artifacts
Identification of failures of conservation
Methods of musicology I
Methods of musicology II

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

ARCH 2122 History of Art
Origin of Art
Art of primitive paintings
Art of classical painting of Sri Lanka
Characteristics of art of traditional painting in Sri Lanka
Evaluation of Buddha statue
Sculpture of Bodhisattva
Technology and techniques associated with sculpture
Moonstone and its evaluation
Minor Arts in Sri Lanka
Indian paintings
Origin of Indian Sculpture
Non-Religious Sculpture
Minor arts in Sri Lanka II
Sigiri painting and their technology
Archaeological importance in arts

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

ARCH 2212 Epigraphic Studies
Origin and Evaluation of inscriptions and types of inscriptions
Technology associated with inscriptions
Archaeological importance in study of inscriptions
Identification of Brahmin alphabet
Foreign influence on evaluation of Brahmin alphabet
Study of inscriptions at Mihintale
Historical information revealed by inscriptions I
Historical information revealed by inscriptions II
Study of Inscription during the reign of king Vasambha
Practical work in inscriptions
Study of palm leaf and other manuscripts
Preservation and conservation of palm leaves
Study of inscriptions in the Plonnaruwa era
Brief study of Indian inscriptions
Scripts during the colonial period

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

ARCH 2222 Ancient Architecture in Sri Lanka
History of Architecture in Sri Lanka
Evaluation of world architecture
City plan of ancient Anuradhapura
Ancient royal palaces in Sri Lanka
Ancient Royal gardens in Sri Lanka
Ancient City of Sigiriya
Ancient fortresses in Sri Lanka
Evolution of Sangarama
Image House
Bodhigara
Evolution of the Stupa
Ambalam in ancient Sri Lanka
Hindu in Sri Lanka in the colonial period
Architecture in the colonial period
Identification of monuments of historical architecture in Sri Lanka

Assessment Strategy:
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

ARCH 3112 Numismatics
Exchange of currency in ancient times
Archaeological importance of studying coins
Documented information on the use of ancient currency II (Inscriptions)
Documented information on the use of ancient currency II (Literature)
Punch marked coins
Types of Swastika Coins
Lakshmi Plaques
Ancient Roman coins in Sri Lanka
Medieval gold coins
Coins of Plonnaruwa and Dambulla Period
Coins of colonial Times
Coins of north western India
Tribal Coins of ancient era
Coins of Guptha era
Technology and techniques Associated with coins

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

ARHM 3122 Ancient Technologies and Techniques
Evolution of technology and techniques
Technology of prehistory and early history
Technology of pottery and earthen production
Utility of minerals and associated technology
Technology of metal-ware
Stone and wood technology
Irrigation technology
Construction technology I (religious)
Construction technology II (non religious)
Technology of jewellery production
Technology of house hold articles
Technology connected with animal remains
Technology associated with handicrafts
Industrial Archaeology
Technology connected with paintings

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment = 60%
End Semester theory examination = 40%

HAH 3112 Module proposal formulation and seminar
Identification of research problem
Preparation of a bibliography
Literature survey
Citations and references
Proposal introductions
Setting objectives and hypothesis
Strategic planning techniques
Defining a research methodology
Data collection methods- I
Data collection methods- II
Data analysis methods
Data presentation methods
Time management
Proposal formats
Review

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 50%
End Semester theory examination : 50%

ARCH 3212 Evolution of Humans and pre History
Concepts of pre history and proto history
Evolution of the earth
Human evolution I
Human evolution II
Cultural evolution of Prehistory humans
Paleolithic periods in Sri Lanka
Mesoolithic periods in Sri Lanka
Neolithic period
Proto history of Sri Lanka
Types of megalithic burials in Sri Lanka and India
Study of pre historic period in India I
Study of pre historic period in India II
Technologies and techniques of pre histrionic tools
Crimean used in the study of pre history
Settlement in Sri Lanka

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

HEMG 3212 Tourism and Heritage
Identification of heritage management and tourism
Tourism and identification of direction
Launching promotion campaigns for tourism
Protocol rules and regulations on Tourism
Awareness steps for tourists at historical sites
Problems encountered by tourists at historical sites
Managing visitors at heritage sites
Guidance on Tourism
Identification of Tourist attraction sites
Role of information centers for Tourism and enhancing methods
Identification of advantages disadvantages of Tourism
Local institution and programs for tourist promotion
Tourist facilities and heritage management
Maintenance of heritage sites for tourists
Factors influencing fluctuation of tourism

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 50%
End Semester theory examination : 50%

Heritage Management

Module code: HAH
Module Name: History, Archaeology and Heritage Management

HEMG 1212 Introduction to Heritage Management
Introduction to Heritage
Aim and methods of Heritage Management
Culture & Heritage
Study of movable Heritage sources
Study of immovable Heritage sources
Values and ethics of Heritage Management
Definition and terminology (In deep)
Introduction to value of cultural property
Emotional value of cultural property
Cultural value of cultural property
Applied value of cultural property
Identification of Heritage sites
Cultural Heritage sites in the world
Natural Heritage sites in the world
World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

HEMG 1222 Institute, Conservation and Legislation
Local cultural and natural heritage agencies
Local cultural and natural heritage agencies
International cultural heritage agencies
International natural heritage agencies
Universally outstanding cultural values
Universally outstanding natural values
Constitution on authenticity of cultural values
Integrity of management of cultural values
Introduction to charter and convention of heritage management
Local charter and convention of heritage management
International charter and convention of heritage management
Protection of heritage management
Management of heritage management
Procedure for declaration of conservation zones
Procedure for acquisition of conservation zones

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 40%
End Semester theory examination : 60%

HEMG 2112 Techniques of Recording and Documentation
Introduction to recording and documentation of heritage sources
Traditional recording methods
Introduction to new technical recording methods
Drafting
Measure drawing of building structures
Computer application and data entry I
Computer application and data entry II
Compilation, computation and curtain of sites and monuments
Inventory
Records of exploration and excavation
Analysis and identification of data
Surveying and mapping of basic sites
Methods of dating sites
Use of photography in records
Use of instruments and material

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

HEMG 2122 Ethnological and Natural Heritage
Introduction to Ethnological heritage
Survey methods of Ethnological heritage
Regional Ethnological survey
Survey of folklore and folk song
Customs, beliefs and rituals
Folk dance
Survival strategies of rural folk
Traditional techniques and activities
Classification of applied performing arts
Identification of linguistic heritage
Identification of natural heritage
Identification of flora heritage
Identification of fauna heritage
Natural heritage of Sri Lanka
Survey methods of natural heritage

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 50%
End Semester theory examination : 50%

HEMG 2212 Decay Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment Ethnological and Natural Heritage
Principle of conservation
Ethics of conservation
Causes of deterioration
Degrees of intervention
Applied principle of chemistry
Structural action
Material sciences
Conservation of building material, structure, finishes
Brick and earthen structure
Stone structures and wooden elements
Timber structures and wooden elements
Plaster, carving and decorative work
Rural Conservation
Urban conservation
Settlement conservation

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 50%
End Semester theory examination : 50%

HEMG 2222 Conservation process
Introduction
Identification of the conservation process
Responsibility of the conservation team
Ethics of site managers
Inspection and condition report
Identification of research methodology
Identification of analysis methodology
Identification of deterioration
Conservation proposal
Procedure for approval
preparation of estimates
Identification of cost and evolution
Work plan
Quality control monitoring and reporting
Drafting of first report

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

HEMG 3112 Heritage Management
Heritage Verities
Site Presentation
Maintenance and upkeep
Site management structure
Site monitoring
Gardens and landscape
Development program in sites
Launching awareness programmes for protecting cultural heritage
Launching awareness programmes for protecting natural heritage
Deterioration of heritage sites due to natural causes
Deterioration of heritage sites due to man-made deeds
Development project and heritage sites
Role of mass media in preserving heritage
Physical state influence on heritage sites and heritage
International heritage management

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

HEMG 3122 Heritage Management and Musicology
Identification of Heritage Management and Musicology
History of museums
Classification of museums
Role of museums
Administration of museums
Methods of museums documentation
Display methods
Organization museums for visitors
Promotion campaigns for museums and community participation
Organization temporary exhibitions
Defenses of museums
Factors in deterioration of curios
Conservation methods of Curious
Techniques of modern museums
Role of a museums as an education center

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 60%
End Semester theory examination : 40%

Assessment Strategy
Continuous Assessment : 50%
End Semester theory examination : 50%

BA (Special) in Archaeology and Heritage Management

Archaeology

ARHM 2114 Theory and Practice in Archaeology

An Introduction to the aims and scope of archaeology. Awareness on different schools of thought. Understanding the nature of Archaeology data. Principles and methods in exploration and data recognition. Archaeological site formation processes. Excavation and other methods in data retrieval. Methods in recording, Indexing and Cataloguing. Dating the archeological entities. Preservation of archaeological data. Report writing & presentation. Problems in interpretation.

ARHM 2124 History of Sri Lanka

A detailed study into Political, Social and Cultural History of Sri Lanka from the early historic period to the end of the Kandyan kingdom. Major trends in the political history of the ancient kingdoms. History of Buddhism and Hinduism. The Kandyan kingdom and the colonial impact. An introduction to the history of India and Southeast Asia in relation to Sri Lankan history.

ARHM 2134 Art History and Iconography

Art and Iconography. The Primitive rock art and Terracotta figures in Sri Lanka. The Style techniques, subject matter, Iconography historical importance and aesthetic value of the ancient Sri Lankan paintings and sculpture. The Minor Arts and traditional Handcrafts of Sri Lanka. A survey into the ancient Indian Paintings & sculpture.

ARHM 2144 Introduction to Sanskrit

Pre requisites; a basic knowledge in Sanskrit would be an advantage. Familiarization of the Nagari script. Basic Grammar, Vocabulary and Syntax of the Language. Historical Development of the Sanskrit Language in India and Sri Lanka. A study on selected classical literary works. Reading and Interpretation of Sanskrit inscription in Sri Lanka.

ARHM 2214 Palm Leaf Manuscripts and other Manuscripts

An Introduction to the Palm-Leaf Manuscripts and other Manuscripts. The Origin and evolution of the writing MSS Analyses of botanical component related to MSS various disciplines and subjects. Artistic and aesthetic values. Archaeological chronology, Conservation, and restoration, Folk literature related. Manuscripts in the pre modern period.

ARHM 2224 Paleography and Epigraphy

Importance of the Epigrshically studied in Archeology. The origin of the alphabet. The origin of the Brahmi Script. The Early Brahmi Script of Sri Lanka and its development in to the Sinhala script. The content, grammar and phonetic of the Brahmi inscriptions of Sri Lanka. A detailed study in to the selected later Brahmi Inscriptions, Sigiri graffiti, inscriptions of the Polonnarruwa and post Polonnaruwa periods. Studies on the Asoka edicts and some selected Epigraphs of the Indian subcontinent.

ARHM 2234 Numismatics Studies

Importance of numismatics in archaeological studies. The origin of the coinage. A detailed study in to ancient coins circulated in the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. Introduction into ancient Roman and Chinese coins Colonial period currency notes and monitory system. Development of trade, banking, exchange system and valuation in the Ancient world.

ARHM 2244 Introduction to pali

Pre requisites A Basic Knowledge in pali would be an Advantage Basic Grammar, Vocabulary and Syntax in the pali Language. Historical development of the pali Language India and Sri Lanka. A study on selected pali Chronicles and Literary Work in Ancient Sri Lanka.

ARHM 3114 Archaeological Heritage Management

Introduction to Archaeological Heritage Management. Various aspects of Heritage. International charters on Archaeological Heritage Management. The concept of the world heritage Institution societies and Agencies related to archaeological Heritage Management. Cultural related and issues. Project planning and Management. An introduction to general laws and regulations on financial and labour Management, safety measures and principles and methods on human resource development in relating to Archaeological Heritage Management.

ARHM 3124 Industrial and under water Archaeology

Historical development of Industrial Archaeology as a subject. The Industrial Revolution Introduction to Industrial to Heritage in Sri Lanka. Traditional industries in Sri Lanka. Monuments, techniques production and examples on plantation industry, road network, rail way system, public utilities and communication systems and various other contractions commenced during the colonial period in Sri Lanka. An Introduction to Underwater Archaeology. Shipwrecks in Sri Lanka. Techniques and Methods of Recording, data retrieval and conservation of submerged archaeological entities.

ARMH 3134 Ancient Architecture and Built Environment

Importance of Architecture in archaeological studies, a detailed study into ancient architecture in Sri Lanka. History of the development of architectural form, plan, layout, ornamentation. Symbolism and function of the Buddhist and the Hindu Monasteries, ancient town planning in Sri Lanka, palace complexes and Gardens. Conventional houses and settlements. Colonial period forts, churches, Houses and other buildings. A detailed study into ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic architecture of the Indian subcontinent. Introduction into architecture masterpieces of the ancient world.

ARHM 3144 Cultural Anthropology and Ethno-Archaeology

An Introduction to cultural Anthropology and Ethno-Archaeology. Principle Ethnic groups in the world. Ethnic mosaic of South Asia. History of Sinhala. Tamil and Muslim and lesser known ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. Veddas of Sri Lanka and other tribes in South Asia.

ARCH 3214 Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology

An Introduction to cultural Anthropology and Ethno Archaeology. Principle Ethnic groups in the world. Ethnic mosaic of South Asia. History of Sinhala. Tamil and Muslim and lesser known ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. Veddas of Sri Lanka and other tribes in South Asia. The concepts of prehistory and protohistory Development history of the two sub disciplines within Archaeology and Anthropology. The Geological time scale. Human evolution and the biological development of man. Cultural development of prehistory man. Early origin of urbanization and the rise of civilization. A detailed study on prehistoric cultures in India and Sri Lanka.

ARHM 3224 Ancient Indigenous Technology

Introduction and evaluation of the ancient technology. Various aspects of ancient technology in the world and Sri Lanka. Identity stone tools manufacture, Architecture, irrigation and house hold equipment technology.

ARHM 3234 Computer Application in Archaeology

A basic introduction into the computer and its capabilities. A brief study on the History of Computer Application Archaeology. A Comprehensive theoretical and practical training on aspects on data recording, storage, retrieval, analysis and interpretation using various Soft wares. Mapping, Surveying, and Reconstruction of Archaeological Sites, Monuments and Objects by Computer Devices specially using Auto CAD, GIS and GPS Techniques.

ARCH 3244 Photography and Visual Media in Archaeology

Introduction into to the importance of photo of photography in Archaeology. A comprehensive training on Archaeological photography of objects, features, Monuments and Sites. Methods of Photographical Reconstruction. Methods of photo documentation and presentation. Methods of Archaeological illustration of various type of objects. Drawings of objects, building and sites.

ARHM 4114 Geo -archaeology

Importance of Geology in archaeological studies Origin and structure of the earth. Geological time and life basic petrology rock types. The Geological of Sri Lanka the Precambrian, Jurassic and tertiary systems, Quaternary system, Geological history of Sri Lanka. The contribution of the Geology of Archaeology, Faunal studies in Archaeology Atmosphere and Atmospheric conditions.

ARHM 4124 Agro-Irrigation Archaeology

Introduction to Ancient Agrarian System in world, various aspects of ancient Irrigation in world and Sri Lanka. Study of Built Irrigation Features and its Technology.

ARHM 4134 Environment and Landscape Archaeology

The basic elements of the natural world. Ecological background of Sri Lanka. Methods and Techniques of Geo archaeology. Archaeobotany and Archaeology. Origin of Agriculture and Settled life. Case studies in settlement and Landscape studies in Sri Lanka. And Techniques of Geo archaeology. Archaeobotany and Archaeology. Origin of Agriculture and Settled life. Case studies in settlement & Landscape Studies in Sri Lanka.

ARHM 4144 Archaeological Laws & Ethics

A brief introduction to the history of legal enactments on archaeological entities in the world. A details study on the history of legal enactments in the Sri Lanka. Comprehensive study on contemporary laws and regulation pertaining to archaeology in Sri Lanka. Study in similar Laws & Regulations in some selected countries. A survey into ethics on Archaeological research, presentation, Interpretation, publications, and other related aspects in Archaeology & Anthropology.

ARHM 4214 Archaeological Conservation

Nature of Archaeological Conservation. Traditional methods of presentation and conservation of Archaeological entities. Elements of deterioration of organic and inorganic materials. First-aid methods of Monuments, Artefacts and Mural painting conservation. Landscaping & site layout village and Urban conservation. Preservation of Archaeological sites. Preservative methods of MSS. Paper, clothes and other organic materials.

ARHM 4224 Museology and Dissemination of Archaeological knowledge

Introduction to various type of Museum. Methods and techniques of acquiring, displaying and conserving museum objects. Types of education and public presentations conducted by Museum. Public relations, visitor facilities and related issues. Methods and Techniques of publication and dissemination of Archaeological knowledge into the target groups in society. Techniques and training methods applicable in Archaeology.

ARCH 4234 practical proficiency in Archaeology

A training on survey and mapping Archaeological monuments and sites. Field explorations in selected sites or regions. Participation in an excavation work site. Identification & Classification of potsherds stone tools, bones and other objects. Application of basis methods on conservation and preservation of organic & inorganic.

ARHM 4244 Dissertation/ Research work

A dissertation of about 8000-10000 words of research work should be submitted. Student will be given guideline and supervise their work by a lecturer or lecturers assigned by the Departments. The topic of the research may be selected by the student but has to be approved by the relevant supervisor and Head of the Department.

As an option to the dissertation or as part of it student may submit an audio or video film, CD or other creative research work with prior consent of the relevant supervisor and Head of the Department.