Environmental archaeology - methodological specialisation, 15 Credits

Contents

The course provides an opportunity for in-depth methodological knowledge within an environmental archeological research area or analysis complex. This may involve specialization in, for example, archaeobotany, insect analysis, geoarchaeology or archaeometry, all depending on available teaching skills. This includes studies of basic work and applications in the field and laboratory. Through practical exercises, with supervised analysis work in the lab and your own, problem-based project work, the skills are practiced in the chosen area.

Expected learning outcomes

Expected study results are listed below after each element: 

Part 1. Analysis Methodology (7.5 credits) 
After completing this part of the course, the student is expected to be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding: 

• Demonstrate significantly in-depth knowledge of the basics within the chosen area of specialization. This can apply, for example, to different types of sampling, sample handling, identification work, material categories, follow-up analysis and write-up, presentation / documentation technology, databases and equipment 
• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role of the chosen area of specialization in a historical perspective and in its current archeological context 

Skills and Abilities: 

• critically examine how methods in the field of specialization have been applied in the past in terms of problem solving 
• formulate your own example where techniques and methods within the chosen area of specialization are used to solve problems 

Judgement and Approach: 

• show good ability for source-critical thinking 
• argue for or against the application of the chosen area of specialization 

 
Part 2. In-depth analysis - own work (7.5 credits) 
After completing this part of the course, the student is expected to be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding: 

• demonstrate significantly in-depth knowledge in the various parts of the special area 
• show insights into the special area's role in current research and development work 

Skills and Abilities: 

• independently examine, compile, interpret and present an analysis of the data generated in an easy-to-understand and clear manner 
• demonstrate the ability to integrate and use knowledge in the special area of problem solving 

Judgement and Approach: 

• show insights into the possibilities and limitations of the area of specialization 
• demonstrate the ability to make systematic, scientific and critical analyzes 

Required Knowledge

Univ: Bachelor's degree and 60 credits courses at advanced level in environmental archeology, or equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Teaching in both parts is conducted as fieldwork, laboratory work and literature studies. Practical exercises can be arranged in connection with the department's seminar excavations or at another archaeological research site. The laboratory work is carried out under supervision at the Environmental Archaeological Laboratory, Umeå University. Literature studies are presented individually or in group / seminar form. 

The main course materials will be housed in a dedicated Canvas site, with digital versions of relevant literature provided where possible. 

At Masters Level the student will be expected to demonstrate a level of critical thinking, analytical skills and interpersonal abilities commensurate with advanced studies. The ability to work independently as well as being active in all areas of the course are fundamental to the learning environment.

Examination modes

Part 1. Oral and written exam 
Part 2. Written report of the analysis undertaken by the student 

The course is examined through active participation in practical elements, an oral or written exam and an individual final assignment in the form of a report.  

On the written tests, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) is given.  Passing grades are set on the basis of an overall assessment of the performance at seminars and written exams - in order to acieve a passing grade it is required that all parts of the examination are at least passed. For the grade Pass with Distinction on the entire course, the grade Pass with Distinction is required in both written assignments. 

Students who have passed may not undergo further examination for higher grades. For those students who have not been approved at the regular examination opportunity, a re-examination is arranged within two months after the ordinary examination opportunity, and another within one year, so-called collection examination. 

Students who have twice failed an examination for a course or part of a course have the right at the next re-examination opportunity to request from the head of education at the Faculty of Humanities that a new examiner be appointed for future re-examinations unless there are special reasons to the contrary. 

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student. 

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Conceptual and Social Studies at Umeå University.