A thematic course that introduces students to the major methods and issues relating to environmental archaeology, e.g. for landscape reconstruction, understanding subsistence, diet, chronology and human migration.

2 sequential contact hours per week, over 10 weeks, same slot each week, Semester 2 2021/22; this module will be co-taught with an Honours class of the same name (ARCH4061). The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

ARCH4061

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2000 words) - 30%

■ Oral Presentation (500 words) - 10%

■ Portfolio of Practical Assignments (6 practicals) - 60%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ Recorded presentation as an alternative to the oral presentation

■ There is no alternative to the portfolio, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ examine the theory underpinning the use of scientific techniques in archaeology

■ gain an understanding and appreciation of commonly-used techniques in environmental archaeology and their applications to questions of diet, mobility, chronology and environment

■ investigate the advantages and limitations of the various techniques discussed, using examples from the archaeological record, predominantly over the past 8,000 years

■ explore contemporary public understandings and media reporting of archaeological science

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ critically interpret and evaluate the major techniques used in environmental archaeology

■ apply the theory underpinning the application of environmental methods in archaeology

■ synthesise and critically evaluate research findings and present these to others.

■ Use environmental and archaeological science to present new insights into human diet, plant and animal domestication, and human-environment interactions.