Environmental Archaeology: methods in theory and practice , 30 credits

Contents

Traces of ancient human activity, as well as traces of environmental and climate change that have affected humans, can be studied using environmental archaeological methods. The course provides in-depth knowledge of environmental archaeological investigation methods and analytical techniques. Archaeobotanical analysis, insect analysis, pollen analysis and various chemical and physical analyses of soil materials are examples of the applied methods. Through practical fieldwork and laboratory work, both in groups and individually, different sampling strategies are practiced through soil material investigations and archaeological excavations.

The course also deals with the theories and methods on which environmental archaeology is based. The role of environmental archaeology in archaeological research and contract archaeology is discussed, as well as the possibilities of environmental archaeology in today's society. Through various case studies, a problem-based, interdisciplinary approach based on both theory and empirical data is conveyed.

The course consists of four modules:

Module 1. Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology 7.5 credits 
The module focuses on environmental archaeological field methods through study visits, field investigations and sampling in the field. The students are introduced to different soil types and sediments as well as to documentation, sampling strategies and field analytical methods. The aim is to provide practical experience of how environmental archaeological material is identified, collected and handled as a basis for further analysis and interpretation.

Module 2. Theory and History of Research 7.5 credits
The module places environmental archaeological research in a historiographical context and relates environmental archaeological scientific methods to archaeological and other scientific traditions. Environmental archaeology is a subject that often uses scientifically based methods to address archaeological problems. The module provides insight into this interdisciplinary approach.
Module 3. Environmental Archaeological Laboratory Methodology 7.5 credits 
The module includes laboratory-based analyses of the material and information collected during module 1, Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology. The focus is on the processing, analysis and interpretation of environmental archaeological data with the aim of reconstructing site activities, resource use and landscape development over time.
Module 4. Methods and Case Studies 7.5 credits
The module focuses on how methods from the natural sciences and the humanities can be integrated to address research questions. Examples are provided of various interdisciplinary case studies, including both older and current work at national and international levels. Critical review and discussion of the case studies are included.

Please note that the modules may be given in a different order or run parallel to each other during the course.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Describe an environmental archaeological sampling strategy for an area or object.
• Discuss and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of an interdisciplinary approach, including problem formulation and multiproxy analysis.
• Describe the basics of some environmental archaeological analysis techniques, such as the handling of soil samples, microscope work, the use of reference collections, identification keys, databases and various analytical instruments.
• Describe the workflow in the lab techniques that are common in archaeology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic environmental archaeological concepts such as taphonomy and multiproxy analysis.
• Demonstrate knowledge of central environmental archaeological theory.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how this is related to central theory formation in archaeology and other disciplines.
• Demonstrate in-depth methodological knowledge in the subject of environmental archaeology, as it is conducted nationally and internationally.

Skills and Abilities:

• Perform environmental archaeological sampling in connection with an archaeological investigation.
• Cooperate appropriately and responsibly in environmental archaeological field and laboratory work.
• Present results from field samples clearly and logically.
• Independently and in groups, compile, process, interpret and present analysis data in a clear, structured and accessible manner.
• Independently carry out at least one lab analysis that is common in archaeology.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently integrate and use knowledge in environmental archaeology.
• Demonstrate the ability to discuss the use of environmental archaeology in different archaeological situations.
• Be able to integrate methods from the natural sciences and humanities within a project.

Judgement and Approach:

• Demonstrate the ability to discuss the possibilities and limitations that exist in environmental archaeology.
• Discuss why certain environmental archaeological investigation strategies should be used on a particular research object.
• Demonstrate the ability to formulate environmental archaeological research problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to solve problems with an interdisciplinary approach.
• Demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of environmental archaeology in contract archaeology and research.
• Be critical of popular notions of the past and be able to make ethical judgments about research.

Required Knowledge

Univ: At least 90 credits in archaeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, earth sciences, history, anthropology, classical archaeology and ancient history, biology, environmental science or equivalent. English 6/level 2 and Swedish for basic requirements for higher education studies (if the course is given in Swedish).

Form of instruction

The teaching includes lectures indoors, group work, seminars, supervision, lab work and outdoor field studies. Module 1 is mainly given through field studies, but seminars and lectures are also given in classrooms. Module 3 is mainly given through laboratory studies in the Environmental Archaeology Laboratory, but seminars and lectures are also given in classrooms. For logistical reasons, transport to locations outside Umeå, including overnight stays outside Umeå, may be required.

Examination modes

Module 1. Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology. The module is examined through group seminars and individual performance in the form of a written take-home exam with the grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). Special emphasis is placed on active participation in fieldwork.

Module 2 is examined through active participation in seminars and discussions as well as through an individual seminar presentation based on literature studies. The grading scale is VG, G, or U.
Module 3. Environmental Archaeology Lab Methodology. The module is examined through seminars and writing assignments in groups and individually. The writing assignment takes the form of a final report of the field and the lab work. The students are assessed individually using the grading scale VG, G, or U.
Module 4 is examined through active participation in seminars and discussions and through two assignments. One should account for and critically review some case studies within the course. The second assignment involves the student individually and independently, and by integrating different perspectives into an interdisciplinary approach, designing an environmental archaeological investigation aimed at a particular archaeological question. Both tasks must be presented orally and in writing and discussed at a seminar. Both assignments are carried out individually, and special emphasis is placed on the second assignment when grading the module. The grading scale is VG, G, or U.
Active participation in all modules is compulsory. The examination consists of practical, oral and written assignments in classrooms and in the field. The student is expected to demonstrate a high level of critical thinking, analytical ability and the ability to cooperate responsibly and constructively in field, laboratory and seminar settings. The ability to work both independently and as part of a group is essential. Fieldwork is carried out in groups, but examinations take place individually.
Assessment criteria and documentation methods for individual work efforts are presented by the examiner at the start of the course. Active participation can mean that a grade can be raised from G to VG in certain cases.
A re-examination must be offered no later than two months after the ordinary examination date, however, a re-examination must be offered no earlier than ten working days after the result of the ordinary examination has been announced, and a copy of the students' examination is available. For tests carried out during the months of May and June, the first re-examination may be offered within three months of the regular examination. In addition, at least one additional re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular examination, a so-called catch-up test. A person who has passed an examination may not undergo a re-examination for a higher grade. The number of test occasions is limited to five.
For students who have a decision on recommended support due to a disability, the examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs and the expected study results of the course. For more information, see Procedure for support for students with disabilities and Rule for grades and examination.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including ordinary examinations) in accordance with the provisions of the course syllabus for which the student was originally registered for a maximum period of two years from the expiry of the previous syllabus or the discontinuation of the course offered.

In a degree, this course may not be included together 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.

Transitional provisions

Rules for grades and examination govern what applies regarding retakes when a course has been discontinued or a syllabus has undergone major changes.