Environmental archaeology and its methods

Admission to the course requires a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology or the equivalent of 180 higher education credits of which 90 credits within the disciplines of Archaeology or Classical Studies and Ancient History .

The course provides an in-depth knowledge in environmental archaeology to develop critical knowledge of principles, and practical knowledge of main laboratory methods. The course will teach methods in documentation as well as sampling and analyzing the environmental records in order to address archaeological problems. Laboratory teaching will be accomplished of multiscale analyses environmental records, including description of soil/plant material and determination of physic and chemical properties to the study of microfossils under the microscope.

The course consists of two sub-courses:

1. Principles and practices (5 credits) Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U.) The module introduces key principles of environmental archaeology and provides an overview of field and laboratory practices.

2. Environmental archaeological laboratory methods (10 credits) Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U.)This module provides in-dept learning of key laboratory methods for the analysis of soil and plant materials. Students will acquire practical skills in sorting and recording environmental samples, physical and chemical analyses of samples, and microscopy techniques for the study macro- and microscopic remains. The students will develop a project by conducting analysis of materials and writing a report. The course coordinator will provide a list of topics and materials for students to choose from and work on.

Knowledge and understanding

-describe current methods in environmental archeology

-show acquaintance with the nature of environmental records and discuss the conditions of preservation of the plant remain and soil samples

-define and summarize the analytical methods and their applications in archaeology

Competence and skills

-sorting and recording plant remain and soil samples

-independently interpret and present the results of the environmental archaeological laboratory work

-discuss archaeological approaches to different scientific methods on plant material and soil samples

Judgement and approach

-critically relate to scientific methods and applications to the source material

-evaluate environmental archaeology methods and results in different archaeological explanatory models

-identify research problems in archaeology and other disciplines that can be solved using an environmental archaeological approach

Teaching takes place in the form of mandatory lectures, laboratory practical sessions and group works.

The course is examined through individual writing and mandatory project works, and oral presentations in group activities.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

To pass the course, a passing grade (G) is required on both parts of the course. To pass the course with distinction (VG), requires pass with distinction on both subcourses (15hp)

A written and anonymous course evaluation is carried out upon completion of the courseThe results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.