Entry requirements

General entry requirements and History level 1b or level 1a2, Social Studies level 1b or level 1a2, English level 2, or History 1b or 1a1+1a2, Social Studies 1b or 1a1+1a2, English 6

Learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

Introduction to Early Cultures

• have knowledge of archaeological and textual source material and what it entails to study the past from a subject-specific and multidisciplinary perspective
• describe different ways of viewing time and space from a historical perspective
• describe the origins of humankind and different ways of categorising it
• describe different ways in which people in the past organised themselves into societies
• perform general searches in the library's printed and digital collections and library catalogues and have knowledge of simple reference management.

Material sources and culture

• describe and problematise the concept of culture from an archaeological, historical and linguistic perspective
• account for different ways of generating and analysing material sources in archaeology and how they are usually categorised
• describe and problematise the archaeological concept of context
• give examples of different ways of interpreting the same material sources.

Writing, language and text in early cultures

• discuss what writing is
• explain how different writing systems work
• give an overview of the origin, development and use of writing in different cultures
• discuss oral and written communication
• reflect on written artefacts as sources and problems in connection with their interpretation (e.g., deciphering, dating).

History of science and the contemporary era

• describe the history and development of Scandinavian and global archaeology, osteology, cultural and linguistic research in and around the Mediterranean
• give examples of how the humanities can be used or misused for political purposes
• account for current trends in prehistoric and early historical research
• discuss cultural heritage issues.

Content

Module 1. Introduction to Early Cultures 7.5 credits

This module offers an introduction to the study of early cultures and their source material. The module addresses the prerequisites for studying antiquity and deep history through thematic studies. Multidisciplinary and subject-specific, ancient and modern, approaches are contrasted and different attitudes to the general and the unique in human societies are discussed. The module also provides an introduction to academic writing and reference management.

Four themes structure the study: 1) Time; 2) Space; 3) People; 4) Societies.

Module 2. Material Sources and Culture 7.5 credits

This module provides an overview of the material sources that form the basis for the study of the past. The relationship between human and material culture is discussed. The preservation, care and analysis of archaeological source material is studied. The possibility of interpreting material sources in different ways is problematised.

Four themes structure the study: 1) The concept of culture; 2) Excavation and survey; 3) Different source materials; 4) Interpretative practices in archaeology.

Module 3. Writing, Language and Text in Early Cultures, 7.5 credits

This module deals with the emergence, development and spread of writing and also addresses the use and functions of writing. The module problematise the relationship between oral and written culture and how societies are affected by writing.

Four themes structure the study: 1) Dead languages and their source material; 2) Text production and text preservation; 3) History and historiography; 4) Oral communication and literacy.

Module 4. History of Science and the Contemporary Era 7.5 credits

This module provides an overview of how different disciplines relevant to prehistoric and early historical studies have emerged and adapted to the values and understanding of the world at different times. The module begins with a review of the history of ideas in relevant disciplines, followed by a studyof how science can be used or abused for political purposes. A general overview of current trends in research is presented, and the module concludes with a discussion of who owns the past.

Four themes structure the study: 1) The emergence of the sciences; 2) Science and society; 3) Whose past?; 4) Current trends.

Instruction

Teaching on all modules consists of lectures, literature studies, practical exercises and/or seminars with written and oral assignments. Teaching in English may occur.

Assessment

Examination takes place continuously through oral and written seminar assignments, as well as through written classroom or take-home examinations. Examination in English may occur. In the Introduction to Early Cultures module, grades of fail (U) and pass (G) are awarded. In the other three modules, grades are either fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG).

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make an exception from the specified examination method and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can e.g., special pedagogical support recommended by the university's coordinator.