ARA8392 : Graduate Seminar in Prehistoric Archaeology
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Chantal Conneller
- Lecturer: Professor Chris Fowler, Professor Andrea Dolfini, Dr Francesco Carrer
- Owning School: History, Classics and Archaeology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module aims to introduce students to key themes and approaches to European prehistory, stretching from the Mesolithic period to the end of the Bronze Age. The module will explore the specific approaches on which prehistoric archaeology depends and investigate the key themes and debates that define prehistory. We will explore the different definitions, themes and histories of the different periods of prehistory covered (Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age) to understand how each has developed its particular approach. Module sessions will focus on key themes, focused around specific debates and case studies, but also allow a comparative perspective between different periods.
Aims:
This course aims to:
- provide students with a thorough knowledge of key methods, theories and approaches to the archaeology of prehistoric Europe
- develop an understanding of research contexts and traditions associated with prehistoric research
- generate an advanced understanding of key themes and major debates in European Prehistory
- develop an awareness of key issues for future research in the discipline
Outline Of Syllabus
The module is divided into three parts within which the following are indicative themes
Part 1. Foundations, Introducing Prehistoric Europe
What is prehistory? What are the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages?
Part 2.Debating society and culture
Societies 1 - hunter-gatherer societies - social complexity - spiritual hierarchies
Societies 2 - Neolithic/Bronze Age social organisation
Cosmologies 1: A. Archaeology and anthropology of cosmology. B. cosmology in Neolithic Britain and Ireland
Cosmologies 2: Cosmology in Bronze Age central Europe
Ontologies 1: A. Humans and other animals. B. Mesolithic Northern Europe
Ontologies 2: A. Place, art and animals in northern Scandinavia rock art, c. 5000-1800 BC. B. Ontologies of Neolithic Britain and Ireland
Part 3: Revitalising Debates: The Scientific Turn
Subsistence: The spread of Neolithic
Subsistence: Secondary Product Revolution
Gender and kinship 1: A. The anthropology and archaeology of gender and kinship. B. Kinship and gender in Neolithic Europe
Gender and kinship 2: A. Kinship and gender in Chalcolithic and Bronze Age Europe. B. Gender and childhood in the Bronze Age
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 80 | 1:00 | 80:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 11 | 6:00 | 66:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module starts with four hours of lectures, which introduce students to the topic of prehistory and define the research histories, materials and approaches that give the individual periods their specific flavours (KO1, 2). Following this the module is structured through seminars which give students the ability to discuss key themes in prehistory (KO3, SO2). Each topic will cover two weeks with a different period covered each week, permitting a comparison in approach (KO2). The structure of the module will permit students to understand the development of key themes over the last few decades (KO2). The final sessions will give students the opportunity to encounter the newest themes and think about future trends (KO4).
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 100 | 4000 word essay focused on key theme in two periods, including directions for future research |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 5 minute presentation on directions for future research in chosen area of essay research |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay will focus on a key theme in prehistory and include evidence from more that one period to provide a comparative approach (SO1, SO3). It will conclude with recommendations for future directions of research. The formative will allow students to develop this last element through a presentation with feedback and discussion (SO2).
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ARA8392's Timetable