Environmental Archaeology, Magister Thesis, 15 Credits

Contents

The course includes independent written project work where the student acquires in-depth knowledge with a focus on environmental archaeology. The student is able to implement and evaluate applications of theory and method within the discipline. The course can be included in a magister's degree or a master's degree. The course is part of the Master's Program in Environmental Archeology, but can also be read as a stand-alone course.  

The student must write a scientific essay on an environmental archeological problem and defend it at a seminar. Furthermore, s/he must actively participate in seminars where extended essays are evaluated and be an opponent at an essay seminar.  

The course is given in English. 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student must demonstrate:  
 
Knowledge and understanding  

• have demonstrated good knowledge of how environmental archaeological survey methods can be used (e.g. mapping, field survey, cartographic, remote sensing, archaeobotany, soil chemical and physical analyzes, pollen analysis, wood anatomy, insect analysis etc.).  
• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic commensurate with the level expected at the end of the first year of masters' study.  

Skills and Abilities  

• have demonstrated an advanced knowledge of the skills needed to understand and interpret natural- and cultural landscape from different time periods.   
• have shown the ability to formulate a clear, delimited and scientifically relevant environmental archaeological thesis.  
• be able to set up an exploration strategy to solve an environmental archeological problem, which may affect landscape change, ancient monuments or past environments.   
• be able to independently conduct a survey, collect - analyze, evaluate and interpret data.  
• have shown good ability to write a scientific text of good linguistic quality.  
• have demonstrated the ability to process data in a consistent manner and in accordance with accepted standards.  
• have demonstrated the ability to orally present and discuss environmental archeological results and arguments in a clear manner.  
• be able to summarize and discuss the theoretical starting points of environmental archaeology.  
• be able to systematically search for literature that is relevant to the essay's key research question/s.  
• be able to undertake an overview of previous research relevant to the thesis.  
• have the ability to theoretically and methodologically relate the work to previous research in environmental archaeology.  
• have the ability to show how environmental archaeology can provide an in-depth understanding of archaeological problems.  

Perceptiveness and Reasoning  

• Have demonstrated the ability to review and evaluate other environmental archaeological work, both with fellow students and in relation to environmental archaeological research  
• Interrogate data generated and determine the most appropriate methods of interpretation and presentation.  
• Synthesize relevant data in order to construct a coherent argument.  
• Critically assess data sources and their viability for use in research.  

Required Knowledge

Univ: 30 credits courses at advanced level in environmental archaeology, or equivalent.  

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of seminars and supervision. Field and laboratory exercises under the supervision of teachers may occur.  
The student normally receives supervision only during the period covered by the essay course. 

Examination modes

The course is examined through an assessment of the thesis, and the opposition and activity at the thesis seminars. The thesis seminars also examine the ability to give oral presentation and discussion.   

The grading scale for the course consists of the grades Fail, Pass and Pass with Distinction. For the grade Pass with distinction on the course, special emphasis is placed on the assessment of the degree to which the thesis shows that the student can formulate a clear, scientifically relevant and well-defined environmental archaeology question; ability to write a well-disposed and clear environmental archaeology paper; and good ability to analyze, reflect and present conclusions that are supported by clear argumentation. When evaluating whether a thesis should be awarded a Pass with Distinction, significant emphasis is placed on the quality of the opposition to another thesis. 

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students and a copy of the exam has been made available. A For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one more re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular exam. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.  

The examiner can decide to adapt the form of examination, specified in the syllabus, to accommodate a student's needs. Individual adaptation of the form of examination should be considered according to a student's needs. Any change to the form of examination must be made within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request it from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. It is the examiner who decides on the adapted examination and then notifies the student. 

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.  

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.