Swedish name: Landskap och miljöarkeologi: fördjupning i historia, teori och metodik
This syllabus is valid: 2021-02-22 and until further notice
Course code: 1AR074
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Landscape Archaeology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Environmental Archaeology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies
Established by: Faculty director of studies, Faculty of arts, 2021-03-04
This course introduces the theories and methods that underpin Landscape and Environmental Archaeology in order to generating a broader knowledge and understanding of the methods and techniques employed in both research areas. This is supplemented with empirical problem-based case studies that combine the methodological and theoretical aspects of Landscape and Environmental studies so that students gain a clear understanding of the interdisciplinary approach of both disciplines.
Despite significant synergies, the disciplines have distinct developmental pathways in terms of their respective histories and their theoretical foundations. The various roles of Landscape and Environmental studies are considered, and the specific ways in which each subject area link into archaeology, archaeological theory and the commercial sectors are assessed.
The course consists of three modules, two optional (choosing between module 1a or 1b) and one compulsory (module 2):
1. Module 1a. Landscapes Pathway: History and Theory of Landscape Archaeological Research
2. Module 1b. Environmental Pathway: Theory and History of Environmental Archaeology Research
3. Module 2. Methods and case studies
Module 1a. Landscapes Pathway: History and Theory of Landscape Archaeology Research (7.5 ECTS)
This module focuses on the history and development of landscape studies. It considers the fundamental theoretical basis of landscape archaeology within the context of scientific developments and those from other disciplines, such as historical geography, that have enabled archaeologists to gain meaningful insights into human-landscape interactions and the development of cultural landscapes during the past 10,000 years. The interdisciplinarity of previous landscape studies is evaluated. It also considers the ways in which landscape and environmental changes shape and influence our perceptions of the past.
Module 1b. Environmental Pathway: Theory and History of Environmental Archaeology Research (7.5 ECTS)
This module conveys insights into the interdisciplinary approach of Environmental Archaeology which uses scientifically based methods to solve archaeological problems. Environmental archeological research is studied in its historiographical context and its scientific methods are compared to those used by contemporary archaeological and other scientific traditions.
Module 2. Methods and case studies (7.5 ECTS)
This module examines how scientific and humanistic methods can be integrated to solve scientific issues. Examples are given of various interdisciplinary case studies, past and present, at a national and international level. Critical review and discussion of the structure and results of these case studies is examined.
Upon course completion the student will be able to demonstrate fundamental knowledge in relation to Landscape Studies and Environmental Archaeology approaches with a solid grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of both. Based on their chosen study pathway the student will be able to demonstrate a critical approach to either Landscape or Environmental studies and thus be able to determine the best practical approach within their chosen field of expertise.
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding:
Skills and abilities:
Judgement and approach:
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are 90 ECTS in any of the following subjects, Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Geography, Geology, History, Anthropology, Classics, Biological and/or environmental sciences, or an equivalent/ related subject. 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.
Instruction includes lectures, group work and seminars. The lectures and seminars are designed to provide a broad range of examples from Swedish and European contexts in order to acquaint the student with the complexities of the theoretical approaches to natural and cultural landscapes.
The student will be expected to demonstrate a level of critical thinking, analytic skills and interpersonal abilities commensurate with advanced studies. The ability to work independently as well as an integral part of a group or team is emphasized.
This course adopts a blended learning approach with online and face-to-face teaching. Modules 1a and 1b combine lectures and seminar participation. The focus of delivery for module 2 is two seminars and two written assignments.
Module 1a and 1b are examined through active participation in two seminars and through individual oral presentations based on literature studies in accordance with the grading scale VG, G or U.
Module 2 is examined through two individually written assignments (essays) consisting of between 1,500-2,000 words each and the active participation in the two seminars in which individual oral presentations of the written assignments are given and discussed. The first assignment consists of a critical examination of case studies. The second assignment consists of designing a landscape or environmental archaeological project through the integration of different perspectives into an interdisciplinary approach. The seminars and the assignments are examined in accordance with the grading scale VG, G or U.
The entire course is examined in accordance with the grading scale VG, G or U. In order to receive a VG for the entire course a grade of VG for module 1a/1b is required and at least one grade of VG for the one of the two combined seminar/assignments in module 2.
Assessment criteria and documentation methods for individual work initiatives are presented by the examiner at the start of the course. The quality and degree of active participation in module 1a/1b and in module 2 are taken into account when grading. Active participation can mean that a grade can be raised from G to VG.
Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, and once again within a year. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.
A student who has failed two examinations for a course or segment of a course, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the Faculty director of studies at Faculty of Arts.
Deviations from the examination form of the syllabus can be made for a student who has decisions on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the expected study results of the syllabus. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision should then be communicated to the student.
In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination) according to the regulations of the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a maximum period of two years from the end of the previous syllabus or the course has ceased to be offered.
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 Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University.