Environmental Archaeology, Master thesis, 30 credits

Contents

The course includes independently written project work where the student acquires in-depth knowledge with a focus on environmental archeology. The student tests and evaluates applications of theory and method within the discipline. The student must write a scientific essay on an environmental archeological problem and defend it at a seminar. 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course:  

Knowledge and understanding:  

• have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of how environmental archaeology methods can be used (GIS, cartography, mapping and literature searches, archaeobotany, soil chemical and physical analyses, pollen analysis, insect analysis)  
• have demonstrated significantly in-depth knowledge in any sub-area of environmental archaeology  
• have demonstrated in-depth insight into current environmental archaeology research and development work  

Skills and abilities:  

• have demonstrated the ability to formulate a clear, defined and scientifically relevant environmental archaeology issue  
• be able to set up a survey strategy to solve an environmental archaeology problem, which may involve landscape change, environments or antiquities  
• independently conduct a survey, and collect, - analyze, evaluate and interpret data  
• have demonstrated the ability to write a scientific text of good linguistic quality  
• have demonstrated the ability to treat formalities in a consistent manner and in accordance with accepted standards  
• have demonstrated the ability to orally account for and discuss environmental archaeological results and arguments in a clear manner  
• be able to summarize and discuss the theoretical basis of environmental archaeology  

Judgement and approach:  

• have demonstrated the ability to review and evaluate other environmental archaeology studies, both of fellow students and in environmental archaeology research, with regard to theoretical perspectives, methods and interpretations  
• exhibit integrity and honesty in scientific contexts.   

Required Knowledge

Univ: Bachelor's degree and 75 ECTS advanced level courses in environmental archaeology, or equivalent. English B/6 and Swedish for basic eligibility for university studies (if the course is taught in Swedish). 

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of seminars and supervision. Field and laboratory exercises under the supervision of teachers may occur. 

Examination modes

The course is examined through an assessment of the thesis, the opposition and activity at the thesis seminars. The thesis seminars also examine the ability to provide oral presentations and partake in academic discussions.   

The grading scale for the course consists of the grades Fail, Pass and Pass with Distinction. For the grade Pass with Distinction on the course, special emphasis is placed on the assessment of the degree to which the thesis shows that the student can formulate a clear, scientifically relevant and well-defined environmental archaeology question. In addition, they must demonstrate the; ability to write a well-disposed and clear environmental archaeology paper; and alongside a good ability to analyze, reflect and present conclusions that are supported by clear argumentation. When evaluating whether a thesis should be awarded a Pass with Distinction, significant emphasis is placed on the quality of the opposition to another thesis. 

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students and a copy of the exam has been made available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one more re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular exam. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.  

The examiner can decide to adapt the form of examination, specified in the syllabus, to accommodate a student's needs. Individual adaptation of the form of examination should be considered according to a student's needs. Any change to the form of examination must be made within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request it from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. It is the examiner who decides on the adapted examination and then notifies the student. 

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Conceptual and Social Studies at Umeå University.  

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.