Stone Age societies and environments in Europe
Summary
This course explores Stone Age societies from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, with a focus on the European Stone Age. Key themes include the transition from hunter-gatherers to the Neolithic migration, megalithic monuments, and human–environment relations combining theoretical perspectives, case studies, and scientific approaches in archaeology.
About
The course explores the development of Stone Age societies and their interactions with the environment from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic period. Drawing on examples from different parts of Europe, you will examine key changes in economy, social organisation, and landscapes during the Stone Age. The course focuses primarily on the European Stone Age but also includes comparative perspectives from other parts of the world.
During the course, you will examine in particular the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural Neolithic communities and the emergence of megalithic traditions. You will discuss how different subsistence strategies affected environments and landscapes, and how climate change and human–environment relations shaped Stone Age societies and have left traces in present-day landscapes.The course also addresses themes such as Neolithisation processes, migration and mobility, social complexity, monument construction, subsistence strategies, seafaring, pandemics, and rock art. You will engage with theoretical and methodological perspectives and develop an understanding of how scientific methods contribute to current Stone Age research.The course consists of two modules:1. Theories, methods, and case studies, 10 credits
This module introduces current theories and methods in Stone Age research. Teaching includes lectures and seminars in which students present and discuss regional case studies.2. Individual Assignment, 5 credits
In this module, you will complete an independent project and write an essay on a topic related to the themes of the course.
The course includes a range of teaching formats such as lectures, group discussions, and seminars. If possible, the course will include a field excursion to a Nordic Stone Age environment. Further information will be provided at the start of the course.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires a Bachelor of Arts or the equivalent of 180 higher education credits, of which 90 credits within the discipline of Archaeology. Admission to the course is also granted with a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Heritage, including basic and advanced courses in the main field of Archaeology (60 credits).
Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6 or equivalent from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
