| CODE | ARC2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | An Introduction to Environmental Archaeology | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Classics and Archaeology | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Environmental Archaeology is the study of the interactions between humans and their environment in the past, utilising scientific techniques to reconstruct ecological and climatic conditions. This study-unit offers a broad introduction to key methods and approaches in Environmental Archaeology, focusing on the analysis of natural and anthropogenic materials to interpret past environments and human adaptation. Students will explore topics such as: sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleopalynology, paleobotany, dendrochronology, zooarchaeology, and Holocene environmental change. This study-unit combines theoretical instruction with practical application. Students will learn to critically evaluate scientific data and techniques through case studies and hands-on sessions. The sessions will incorporate interactive discussions and practical sessions. Study-Unit Aims: - To introduce students to the fundamental principles and methods of Environmental Archaeology; - To explore how scientific techniques are applied to reconstruct past environments and human interactions; - To provide hands-on experience with analytical methods and their interpretation; - To highlight the significance of environmental change in shaping human history during the Holocene. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the core principles and techniques of sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleopalynology, paleobotany, dendrochronology, and zooarchaeology; - Describe the types of archaeological and environmental evidence used in Environmental Archaeology; - Discuss Holocene environmental changes and their implications for human societies; - Critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of scientific techniques in reconstructing past environments. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Interpret and apply scientific terminology used in Environmental Archaeology; - Analyse environmental data, such as pollen diagrams, to infer past ecological conditions; - Plan and execute basic scientific analyses on environmental archaeological materials; - Report and critically assess the results of environmental reconstructions; - Communicate the significance of environmental change in archaeological contexts effectively. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Roberts N. (2014) The Mediterranean World: An Environmental History. - Environmental History and Global Change Series. I. B. Tauris, Limited. - Wilkinson K., Stevens C. (2003) Environmental Archaeology. Approaches, Techniques & Applications. Tempus Publishing Ltd. [Main Library General CC81 .W55] |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Fieldwork, Lecture, Practical and Seminar | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Belinda Gambin Rochelle Xerri |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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