Rock Art and Archaeology: from Scotland to the Sahara (P02517)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : HCA-P-P02517

Rock art is an almost universal phenomenon within pre-literate societies. It represents a form of cultural expression often absent in other artefacts or monuments, and can provide a unique insight into the relationship between people and their environment. This course deals with prehistoric rock art and the role it plays in society, both past and present. It will provide a broad investigation of existing definitions and interpretations of rock art, while drawing attention to issues of conservation, management and presentation. Methodological and theoretical approaches will feature prominently, along with changing perspectives regarding the significance and meaning of rock art. Special attention will be paid to Europe and Africa from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, although students will be encouraged to investigate prehistoric paintings and engravings in other parts of the world.

Entry Requirements

? Costs : None.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Archaeology, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : N.B. timetable is arranged annually

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the following:
- the merits of different methodological and theoretical perspectives in the study of rock art and how these have altered through time
- the ethnography of rock art and its relevance to prehistoric art
- the relationship between context and interpretation in rock art studies
- key issues in the preservation and cultural resource management of rock art
- key debates and controversies in rock art studies

At the end of this course the student will be expected to demonstrate the following, as assessed by coursework:
- ability to critique and analyze approaches and interpretations used in rock art studies
- ability to synthesize and prepare an argument and discuss key conceptual issues relating to rock art evidence
- research skills showing ability to formulate research questions relevant to contemporary scholarship in rock art studies
- ability to access key bibliographic and electronic resources relevant to rock art research