From the Wild to the Tame: Hunter-Gatherer to Farmer Landscape Studies, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the key issues relating to the impacts of the shift from the exploitation of biologically 'wild' to biologically 'domesticated' landscapes. It will introduce students to concepts relating to perceptions of hunter-gatherer versus farming lifeways, temporal trends and regional variabilities, and provide a critical awareness of the history of research in hunter-gatherer and farmer landscape studies. The course will enable students to develop critical experience in terms of knowledge and understanding of anthropogenic impacts on landscapes, including the theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. Students will gain insights into the range of techniques and methods of analysis that are used in prehistoric and historic landscape studies.

Expected learning outcomes

After finishing the course, the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding 

• Demonstrate clear knowledge and understanding of existing research relating to the study of human-landscape interactions 

Skills and Abilities 

• Undertake planned work that evaluates a significant aspect of hunter/gatherer, farming or transition to farming research, and present a coherent discussion relating to the chosen topic, supported by valid evidence 
• Describe, with clear comprehension, key variables in the landscape record and determine why regional distinctions occur in the timing of adoption and the rate of spread of farming throughout Europe 
• Produce visual and written material that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the domestication of landscapes, landscape theory, variability, and the causes for differences in the rate of change. 

Judgement and Approach 

• Evidence a critical awareness of the history of research into hunter-gatherer and farming landscapes and societies 
• Critically evaluate key concepts and trends and draw out salient arguments relating to the transition to farming in its landscape setting 

Required Knowledge

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

Form of instruction

This is a primarily class-based course, taught through lectures and seminars. 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.

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. 

Students will produce three pieces of individual work to include: 

• A presentation (ca 1000 words equivalent) - with guidance the student will present a short summary of a specific site or research topic in hunter-gatherer and/or farmer landscape studies. Graded as U/G/VG. Equals 1.5 hp.  
• A 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, evidence (both in relation to landscape and environmental changes), and approaches to hunter-gather to farmer landscape studies. Graded as U/G/VG. Equals 2 hp.  
• An essay (ca 2000 words equivalent) - an essay that will consider a particular region and its historical landscape. 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/G/VG. Equals 4 hp.  

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 a test 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 to determine grades 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 one degree, this course may not be included with another course with 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.