Environmental archaeology - problem orientation, research planning and applications, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Environmental archaeology uses theories and methods both developed within the discipline as well as those adapted from other areas of science, for example geology, biology, chemistry and ecology. Advanced tools, including as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and quantitative environmental reconstruction are used in combination with more general theorizing around human's impact on, and interaction with, their surrounding environment in order to understand changes through time, both before and during the Anthropocene. Within environmental archaeology, data from several different information sources within geoarchaeology (-morphology, -chemistry and spectroscopy, isotopes) are integrated; pollen analysis; fossil insects; plant macrofossil all of which facilitate interpretation of archaeological remains and their surrounding landscape. This course provides interdisciplinary perspectives, where practical exercises are included in using experimental archaeology, GIS, statistics, environmental reconstructions as well as interpretation and presentation of environmental archaeological data. 

The course is problem-oriented with elements of applied experimental exercises. 

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course, students should be able to: 
 
Knowledge and understanding: 

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of advanced theories and methods fundamental to environmental archaeology 
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of how these theories and methods relate to fundamental theories in archaeology and other disciplines 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of good experimental design in archaeological science 

Proficiency and aptitude: 

• Demonstrate the ability to undertake the planning, design and evaluation of environmental archaeological research projects 
• Demonstrate the ability to independently integrate, discuss and use knowledge of advanced analysis methods in environmental archaeology 

Assessment and approach: 

• Demonstrate the ability to critically and statistically evaluate own and published research results 
• Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate research project designs 

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 ECTS courses in archeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, or its equivalent, as well as Environmental archaeology - advanced study in theory and methodology 15 ECTS credits, or its equivalent.  

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.

Form of instruction

Teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, seminars with an emphasis on practical exercises, where experimental and laboratory procedures form the basis for knowledge acquisition. 

Examination modes

This course is examined through active participation in laboratory procedures, seminars and discussions, as well as an individual poster/presentation with accompanying critically reflective written report on the contents and background of the poster. 

The grades Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction are awarded for the individual assignments. The grades Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction are awarded for the course based on an overall judgement of seminar performance and individual assignments. A Pass is awarded only if at least a Pass grade is achieved for all assignments within the course. 

A re-examination must be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, however, the re-examination must be offered no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular exam have been announced and a copy of the students' exam is available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-examination may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one further re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular examination, so-called collection examination. Those who have passed the exam may not undergo a new exam for a higher grade. 

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be decided by the examiner. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered according to the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must, no later than 10 days before the examination, request adaptation from the department responsible for the course. The examiner decides on an adapted examination which is then communicated to the student. 

Other regulations

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.  

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 Conceptual and Social Studies at Umeå University.