Methodological Specialism in Landscape Archaeology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course deals with key themes in landscape archaeology. We study approaches to, for example, in situ preservation in urban and rural wetland environments, the history of land use, ancient landscape changes, changes in human-landscape interaction, palimpsest landscapes, ritual landscapes, etc. Each theme illustrates how landscape archaeologists try to understand human actions throughout history. In some parts, the approach is science-oriented. In other parts, with ritual perspectives, the approach is post-procedural. The course is examined as two blocks of 7.5 credits each.

Expected learning outcomes

After finishing the course, the student should be able to: 
 
Knowledge and Understanding: 

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key themes studied, with deeper knowledge of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the study areas 
• Recognize the links between the themes investigated in relation to archaeology, environmental archaeology, historical and geographical investigations of landscape 
• Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of context through in-depth reading  

Skills and Abilities: 

• Integrate and use knowledges from earlier parts of the programme to understand the fundamental aspects of the themes that are investigated 
• Demonstrate the ability to critically assess and debate each topic in a knowledgeable and considered manner 
• Be able to integrate a broad range of methods to interpret the theme being investigated  

Judgement and Approach: 

• Demonstrate clear understanding in relation to the potentials and limitations of landscape studies in relation to the specific areas of specialization that are studied 
• Be critically aware of context in terms of each theme studies and be able to link these to the overarching themes in landscape studies  
• Approach the study of the past from an ethically informed perspective 

Required Knowledge

Univ: Bachelor's degree and 60 credits courses at advanced level in landscape archeology, or equivalent.

Form of instruction

This is a classroom-based course. The course material is provided extensively through our web platform. The course combines lectures, seminars and discussion sessions. The lectures provide a wide range of examples within the themes of the course. The lectures offer a necessary basis for further studies to develop knowledge and understanding of each theme. Through the preparation of short presentations linked to specific aspects of the study subject, the seminars contribute to developing an in-depth understanding of each theme.

Examination modes

Examination takes the form of oral and practical presentations in the classroom and active oral seminar participation in groups, as well as two written assignments.  
 
Part 1 (7.5 credits): Seminar participation with oral and practical assignment and written assignment. The written assignment is a critically reviewing case study based on a seminar theme. For the written assignment, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass (VG) is given.  

Part 2 (7.5 credits): Seminar participation with oral and practical assignment and written assignment. The written assignment is an essay that explores a key theme in more detail. For this task, the student is expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of their chosen theme, as demonstrated by the breadth of literature used to support argumentation and through a detailed and knowledgeable analysis of the subject, while demonstrating a critical and thoughtful approach to the subject. On the written assignment, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) is given.

In order to pass each module, all examination elements must be at least approved. For the module grade VG (Pass with Distinction) for each module, one must get a VG rating for the written assignment. Criteria and documentation methods for assessing individual tasks are presented by the examiner at the beginning of the course.   

As the final grade of the course, one of the grades VG (Pass with Distinction), G (Pass) or U (Fail) is given. To pass the course, both course modules must at least be assessed as G. For the grade VG on the entire course, one must also get a VG rating for both modules.   

At master's level, the student is expected to demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills and social interaction skills that are consistent with what can be expected at the advanced level. The ability to work independently and to be active in all course areas is fundamental to the learning environment

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.