Between the Wet and the Wild: Wetland Landscapes and Sustainability, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the principles and methods employed in the study of wetland landscapes, and to develop the practical skills that are essential for this specialized area of archaeology. In addition to introducing the student to the diversity of wetland landscapes, their development, and the nature of the archaeo-environmental archives that are preserved within wetlands, the module will introduce the student to the nature and diversity of wetlands in relation to the excavation, survey and recording.  

Using case-studies the course highlights in situ preservation studies in wetlands and considers the techniques and methods used in determining long-term strategies for their management and sustainability. Beyond archaeology the course will also set heritage studies into the global context of wetlands sustainability. 

The course will enable students to develop critical experience in terms of knowledge and understanding of wetland landscapes and their sustainability, including the theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. Students will gain insights into a range of analytical techniques and methods of analysis in wetland archaeology.

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 
• Identify the relationships between the exploitation of wetlands, their modification and natural/anthropogenic development in relation to past human activity 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Determine the significance of wetlands in the wider landscape, highlighting wetland/dryland dichotomies and unifying characteristics 
• Critically analyze the results obtained during monitoring and management strategies and place them in their appropriate archaeological, environmental and landscape context 
• Produce visual and written material that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of wetlands, their management and existing strategies for sustainability 

Judgement and Approach: 

• Determine he most appropriate techniques for the investigation and recording of the material from investigations in wetland contexts 
• Critically assess the wetland record in relation to contemporary understanding of human-landscape interactions in wetlands 

Required Knowledge

60 credits in courses at advanced level in landscape- or environmental archaeology, or equivalent. 

Form of instruction

This is a class based taught course, primarily taught through seminars and lectures. The student will be expected to demonstrate active participation in the seminars and engage in debate. The main course materials will be housed in a dedicated Canvas site, with digital versions of study materials being made available to the student.  

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

Examination comprises active participation in seminars alongside an individual oral presentation as well as two written assignments. For the entire course, one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) is given. In order to achieve a passing grade it is required that all parts of the examination are at least passed. For the grade of VG on the entire course, both written assignments need to be assessed as VG. 

The examination consists of three individual assigments:  

• Seminar participation that includes an individual presentation (ca 1000 words equivalent) - the student will present a summary of a specific site or research topic in wetlands research. Graded as U/V/VG. Equals 1.5 ECTS.  
• Short topic essay (ca 1000 words equivalent) - based on the presentation students will write a short research note on their chosen topic highlighting aspects such as context, preservation status and approaches to management. Graded as U/V/VG. Equals 2 ECTS. 
• Essay (ca 2000 words equivalent) - the main part of the assessment revolves around an essay that will consider wetland landscapes and sustainability at either a site specific, regional or international level. The student will be expected to demonstrate wider reading and clear evidence for knowledge and understanding in relation to the topics covered in their work. Graded as U/V/VG. Equals 4 ECTS. 

For students who have not passed the regular examination, a retest is organised within two months of the regular examination, and another within one year, known as a collection test. 

Students who have twice failed an examination for a course or part of the course have the right to request from the educational leader of the faculty of humanities that another examiner be appointed for future re-examinations unless special reasons contradict this. 

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.

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 Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University. 

Crediting 
Applications for credit are submitted to the Student Center, Umeå University. See: http://www.student.umu.se/examen/tillgodoraknanden/