Critical assessment of archaeological excavation and the development of processes required for successful investigation of mass graves
This synthesis provides a critical review of a range of my publications representing research themes that evolved over 30 years of academic training and academic and professional archaeological practice. Archaeologists are now employed routinely in investigations that anticipate scrutiny by the discipline, authorities, funders, media and communities. Excavation methods are expected to pass criteria for admissibility of evidence in legal settings. This places an obligation on demonstrating work meets required benchmarks, that archaeologists must define and document, justifying what was done during an excavation and how it was done. This is not a process that for many is habitually undertaken. I developed my research over time through observation, experiment and applied science in professional practice, evolving from examining the questions of how archaeologists excavate and how excavations are delivered. Firstly, I began critical evaluation of excavation methods and their application, with a focus on international and forensic investigations. Secondly, I developed processes of investigation in which such excavation can be successfully undertaken. Lastly, I explored management of processes focusing on how investigations
Hanson, Ian
Critical assessment of archaeological excavation and the development of processes required for successful investigation of mass graves. This synthesis provides a critical review of a range of my publications representing research themes that evolved over 30 years of academic training and academic and professional archaeological practice. Archaeologists are now employed routinely in investigations that anticipate scrutiny by the discipline, authorities, funders, media and communities. Excavation methods are expected to pass criteria for admissibility of evidence in legal settings. This places an obligation on demonstrating work meets required benchmarks, that archaeologists must define and document, justifying what was done during an excavation and how it was done. This is not a process that for many is habitually undertaken. I developed my research over time through observation, experiment and applied science in professional practice, evolving from examining the questions of how archaeologists excavate and how excavations are delivered. Firstly, I began critical evaluation of excavation methods and their application, with a focus on international and forensic investigations. Secondly, I developed processes of investigation in which such excavation can be successfully undertaken. Lastly, I explored management of processes focusing on how investigations
critical_assessment archaeological_excavation development process require successful investigation mass graf synthesis provide_critical review range publication represent theme evolve academic training academic professional archaeological_practice archaeologists employ routinely investigation anticipate scrutiny discipline authority medium community excavation method expect pas criterion evidence legal setting place obligation demonstrate work meet require benchmark archaeologist must define document justify excavation process many habitually undertaken developed time observation apply science professional_practice evolve examine question archaeologist excavate excavation deliver firstly begin_critical evaluation excavation method application focus international forensic investigation secondly develop process investigation excavation successfully undertaken lastly explore management process focus investigation