The Circumpolar Past: Societies and Culture of the North, 7.5 credits

Contents

The course introduces archaeology through the study of the Circumpolar past. It examines how archaeological knowledge is produced through the analysis and interpretation of material remains and introduces fundamental archaeological methods and source materials. With a focus on Arctic and Subarctic societies, the course explores long-term developments in settlement patterns, resource utilisation, technology, mobility, and social organisation. The course also addresses cultural heritage, Indigenous perspectives, and the role of archaeology in contemporary societal debates.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• account for fundamental archaeological source materials, methods, and research questions relating to the Circumpolar region;
• account for key features of the long-term development of Arctic and Subarctic societies from prehistory to the historical period.

Skills and Abilities

• search for, compile, and utilise scholarly information to address archaeological questions;
• compare and discuss archaeological examples from different parts of the Circumpolar region in both oral and written forms.

Judgement and Approach

• reflect on the significance of archaeology for understanding cultural heritage and identity in Circumpolar regions;
• evaluate the importance of source-critical and ethical perspectives in archaeological contexts.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

Teaching is conducted through lectures, seminars/group exercises, and individual work. Attendance is compulsory for all forms of instruction except lectures. The language of instruction is English.

Examination modes

The course is examined continuously through assignments, participation in mandatory seminars, and an individual exam. Group assignments and seminars are graded with Pass (Godkänd) or Fail (Underkänd). The individual exam is graded with Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd), Pass (Godkänd) and Fail (Underkänd). To pass the course all mandatory parts are required, and the individual essay must have received the grade Godkänd. To receive Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd) all mandatory parts are required (grade Godkänd), and the individual essay must have received the grade Väl godkänd.

A resit examination shall be offered no later than two months after the ordinary examination. However, a resit examination may not be offered earlier than ten working days after the results of the ordinary examination have been announced and copies of the students’ examination papers have been made available. For examinations conducted during May and June, the first resit examination may be offered within three months of the ordinary examination. In addition, at least one further resit opportunity, referred to as a supplementary examination, shall be offered within one year of the ordinary examination. Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to obtain a higher grade. The number of examination opportunities is limited to five.

For students who have a recommendation of support for students with disabilities the examiner may decide on individual adaption of examination modes set out in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of examination modes must always be considered based on the student's specific needs and the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. For more information, see Procedure for support for students with disabilities and Rules for grades and examination.

Other regulations

If a course syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes substantial revision, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the ordinary examination opportunity) in accordance with the syllabus under which they were originally registered. This guarantee applies for a maximum period of two years from the date on which the previous syllabus ceased to apply or the course was discontinued.

This course may not be included in a degree together with another course of substantially similar content. Students who are uncertain whether two courses overlap in content should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, 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.