Presenting environmental archaeology: speech, illustration and text, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Environmental archaeology presents a wealth of possibilities for mediating information and presenting results, ranging from the visualisation of scientific data to explaining concepts of resource utilisation. This course will give you the opportunity to learn a variety of presentation techniques, written, visual and oral with a strong emphasis on digital technologies. The course will focus on the cutting edge of palaeo-environmental science, but also allow students to use their own case studies from environmental archaeology or related fields, should they wish to do so. The course’s problem orientated structure will allow you to apply different presentation methods to similar subject materials in order to learn new and improve your existing presentation skills.
This course will cover some basic concepts of design and presentation, laying the foundations for a future awareness of the importance of design and presentation when transmitting ideas. The course puts a strong emphasis on transferable skills of use beyond the field of environmental archaeology and within a broad range of career paths.

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate a working knowledge of essential principles involved in the effective design of media for the dissemination of scientific information to different target audiences
Identify critical issues in environmental archaeology and summarise these efficiently in alternative media forms

Proficiency and aptitude
Independently, critically and systematically integrate knowledge into presentations to be performed with or without the aid of digital technology for a variety of audiences
Independently produce and present a digital poster conveying general aspects of environmental archaeological theory or practice to a non-expert audience
As part of a team, produce a conference/workshop advertisement/information flyer for marketing an environmental archaeology conference
Critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate questions and apply these in seminar and mock-up conference situations

Ability to assess and approach
Plan and undertake presentation projects from start to finish under strict time constraints
Within environmental archaeology, exhibit the ability to make assessments by taking into consideration relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects
Appraise and assess alternative approaches to the presentation of information for different target groups
Critically evaluate and constructively critique the work of peers

Required Knowledge

Univ: 90 ECTS courses in archaeology, environmental archaeology, geology, physical geography, or its equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). 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

The course will be based on a series of introductory lectures and group seminars along with guided practical work. Case studies from either published scientific articles, reports or the students own previous work will be used as the basis for learning practical aspects of presentation, with a focus on environmental archaeology. An online learning platform will be used to share material during the duration of the course. Students will be expected to have access to a computer but may use those available at HUMlab.

Examination modes

Examination will be through assessed presentations and compulsory seminar attendance and participation. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided only after all mandatory parts are passed.
A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.
For students who do not pass the regular examination there is another opportunity to do the examination. A student who has failed two examinations for a course or segment of a course, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the Faculty of Humanities.

Academic credit transfer
Transfer of credits is considered individually (see the University Code of Rules and regulations for transfer of credits).