This course explores the mutual dependencies, collaborations and conflicts between a wide range of landscape partners, including rock, soil, water, weather, plants, and animals - both human and non-human. It will use case studies from across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from the 17th to the 21st centuries, though with some earlier material where relevant. A key feature will be the integration of archaeological, historical, ethnographic and environmental data.

10 two-hour discussion seminars

1 day-long field trip (on a Saturday)

None

None

Worksheet (1000 words, 20%): 5 picture questions

Project Proposal (1000 words, 20%)

Project Report (3000 words, 60%)

This course aims to:

■ explore and explain archaeological and ecological landscapes in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from the 17th to 21st centuries;

■ stimulate students to interpret the landscape as an intricate web of socioecological relationships;

■ demonstrate ways of integrating social and ecological analysis of the landscape, using a range of interdisciplinary data.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ identify a wide range of human and non-human agents in the landscape, and some of their interactions and interdependencies;

■ interpret archaeological and ecological dynamics in landscapes in the Scottish Highlands and Islands in the 17th-21st centuries;

■ integrate archaeological, historical, ethnographic and environment evidence to support their argument;

■ evaluate and critique past representations of landscape; 

■ communicate their interpretations using different writing styles and an appropriate range of media.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.