Master thesis in Landscape/ Environmental Archaeology, 30 Credits

Contents

The course includes an independent written project work where the student acquires in-depth knowledge with a focus on landscape archeology or environmental archeology. The student must write a scientific essay on a landscape archeological or environmental archeological problem and defend it at a seminar.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course: 

Knowledge and understanding: 

• have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of how landscape / environmental archaeology methods can be used (GIS, cartography, mapping and literature searches, archaeobotany, soil chemical and physical analyses, pollen analysis, insect analysis) 
• have demonstrated significantly in-depth knowledge in any sub-area of landscape / environmental archaeology 
• have demonstrated in-depth insight into current landscape / environmental archaeology research and development work 

Skills and abilities: 

• have demonstrated the ability to formulate a clear, defined and scientifically relevant landscape / environmental archaeology issue 
• be able to set up a survey strategy to solve a landscape / environmental archaeology problem, which may involve landscape change, antiquities environments or antiquities 
• independently conduct a survey, collect - analyze, evaluate and interpret data 
• have demonstrated a good ability to write a scientific text of good linguistic quality 
• have demonstrated the ability to treat formalities in a consistent manner and in accordance with accepted standards 
• have demonstrated the ability to orally account for and discuss environmental archaeological results and arguments in a clear manner 
• be able to summarize and discuss the theoretical basis of landscape / environmental archaeology 

Judgement and approach: 

• have demonstrated the ability to review and evaluate other landscape / environmental archaeology works, both those of fellow students and in landscape- / environmental archaeology research, with regard to theoretical perspectives, methods and interpretations 
• exhibit integrity and honesty in scientific contexts.  

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of seminars and supervision. Field and laboratory exercises under the supervision of teachers may occur.

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 has the ability to 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 well supported by clear argumentation. The fact that opposition to another thesis is well completed is given great importance when assessing whether the thesis course is well approved.  

The Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies' criteria for assessment of essays are used for assessment and grading. 

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. Those who have passed the test may not undergo a re-test for higher grades. 

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later that 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

If 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.