Archaeology 2A: Ancient Europe (U04496)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : HCA-2-U04496

The course will introduce students to the archaeology of Europe from the adoption of food production to Late Antiquity. It will focus especially on the topics of the changing environment, economy, and social organisation, and how our understanding of these topics is strongly influenced by current theory. Junctions of special importance will be the first peoples of Europe, the transition to food production, trade and exchange networks, monumentality, the origin of social differentiation and complex societies, ancient technologies, early Mediterranean civilisations, and the collapse of complex social systems. The course will
develop the study of European archaeology beyond the foundations of the discipline to offer a deeper understanding of the different processes at work and how archaeologists attempt to address them. It will further provide a spring-board for several 3rd and 4th year Honours
Courses which investigate in greater detail subjects initially introduced in Archaeology 2A.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

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

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	12:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- an understanding of the major outlines of European prehistory and early history,
- the ability to identify the main themes of modern research,
- security to place the principal changes and developments within a general chronological and geographical framework,
- an understanding of the constant interplay of the environmental, economic, social and ideological spheres during European prehistory,
- an understanding of where our present knowledge is based on clear empirical data and where there are still gaps and weaknesses in the record,
- a critical awareness of how archaeological perceptions and approaches to research have historically influenced interpretations of the evidence.

Assessment Information

The course will require one 2000 word essay, a written version of the tutorial presentation (c. 800 words) and one two-hour examination. The essay will make up 30% of the assessment; the written version of the tutorial presentation 10%; the exam will be worth 60% of the final
assessment. Students can expect written feedback and individual consultation on their work.