Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

No pre-requisites but it is highly recommended archaeology students (V400;V401;VV41;VV14) have previously taken Introduction to Archaeological Sciences (ARA1026)

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce key concepts in the methods and themes of environmental archaeology and how it links with related discplines
To introduce students to practical skills in analysis of environmental proxies and data
To introduce students to the concept of multi-proxy approaches in the reconstruction of past human-environment interactions

Outline Of Syllabus

The natural environment provides the backdrop to human activity, and understanding the relationship between people and their environment is fundamental to understanding the development of societies. How did people interact with the environment and use natural resources? What influence did the environment have on cultural and economic development? This module introduces key themes in environmental archaeology including the origins of domestication and agriculture, the developments and impacts of pyrotechnology, and the links between climate change and human development. It provides an introduction to the major methods of environmental archaeology and the reconstruction of past environments, including the analysis of microfossils, plant remains and animals bones. We will examine and critique ideas such as environmental determinism and the Anthropocene, and look at the relationship between archaeology and geography. Case studies may be drawn from current research and span a wide range of geographic and temporal scales, from early prehistory to post-medieval periods.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge of common techniques used by archaeologists to reconstruct past environments.
Understanding of key themes in environmental archaeology and the reconstruction of human-environment relationships.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The ability to use standard identification keys and reference collections to identify common environmental proxies used in archaeology.
The ability to present and interpret environmental archaeology data.
The ability to relate environmental evidence to wider archaeological questions.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture materials provide the background information and overviews of the subject material, intended as a starting point for independent reading and research and introduction for the practical and workshop activities.
Practical and workshop activities provide training in the application of the methods and how they are used in archaeology and instruction for the assessments.
Structured research and reading activities guide students through key reading and activities to reinforce learning.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The practical portfolio will allow students to reflect on the skills they learn in the weekly laboratory practical sessions, and provide them with the ability to recognise and interpret key environmental proxies studied in the module.

Formative assessments in the form of practice exercises provided in laboratory and computer practical sessions are designed to test skills in presenting and interpreting environmental data in preparation for the practical portfolio.

The technical report will test students in writing in a technical style, while providing them with experience in analysing and interpreting environmental data. The report will have students engage with plant and animal remain data to reconstruct past human-environment relationships and meet a key aim of this module whilst gaining employability skills necessary in the archaeology sector and beyond (e.g., report writing; bringing together disparate types of data).

Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students spending semester 1 only are required to finish their assessment while in Newcastle. Where an exam is present, an alternative form of assessment will be set and where coursework is present, an alternative deadline will be set. Details of the alternative assessment will be provided by the module leader.

General Notes

N/A