Undergraduate 

Archaeology BSc/MA/MA(SocSci)

Mesolithic Hunter-gatherer Lifeworlds ARCH4057

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

A thematic course that examines theoretical and methodological issues pertaining to the archaeology of hunter-gatherers societies from the Mesolithic period in Europe (c.9500-4500BCE).

Timetable

20 contact hours as scheduled on MyCampus

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Coursework: one 2500-word essay (30%); one poster (20%)

Examination: 90 minutes (50%) 

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ provide an overview of the character of Mesolithic archaeology in Europe during the period c.9500-4500BCE;

■ investigate the salient character of local responses to environmental conditions and landscape change via regional case studies;

■ examine key research themes and methodologies for the examination of hunter-gatherer-fisher lifeworlds;

■ explore contemporary public understandings and uses of mesolithic pasts.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the archaeology of Mesolithic Europe. This will be assessed in the essay, presentation and final exam.

■ critically assess the application of social theoretical models to archaeological material for the period 9500-4500BCE. This will be assessed through the essay and the exam.

■ gain experience of summarising research findings and presenting these to others. This will be assessed in the seminar/poster assignment.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

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