course-details-portlet

ARK1001 - Introduction to Archaeology

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Home examination 30/100 6 hours
Home examination 70/100 1 weeks

Course content

The ARK1001 course provides a general introduction to archaeology as a scientific and professional discipline and practice in today's society. The course looks at the history and development of archaeology as well as selected aspects of archaeology in its current form. Course activities include lectures, seminars. The course includes visits to the museum's exhibitions and the ‘hands-on’ study of archaeological artefacts. There are also archaeological excursions in Trondheim's vicinity and practical experiments with VR technologies, where students can, for example, visit field sites that cannot be reached physically. The topics covered by this course include: theoretical perspectives, fundamental methodologies, archaeological sources, analysis and interpretation of material culture and central aspects of the relationship between archaeology and today's society. The course presents a broad outline of the culture history of Norway in general and of central Norway in particular. In addition, through lectures students learn about the landscape and environmental history of the region. Common archaeological dating techniques are also reviewed. The course includes a module that gives an introduction and overview of Norwegian cultural heritage management, by looking at current legislation, practices and priorities and how they are applied to archaeological sites in particular.

Learning outcome

A candidate who has passed the course, will have achieved the following learning objectives

Knowledge objectives. Students will be able to:

  • describe and discuss different definitions of archaeology as a scientific discipline and practice in the today's society.
  • define and discuss the relationship between theories of knowledge and archaeological analyses and interpretations.
  • define and discuss central phases of archaeology's research history.
  • define and discuss various thematic perspectives on archaeology as a discipline and practice.
  • describe and critically assess the use of various methods of analysis and dating in archaeology today.
  • identify the main developments in climate, landscape, flora and fauna in Scandinavia since the last Ice Age.
  • describe from an archaeological perspective the main temporal and cultural-historical developments in Scandinavia and particularly central Norway from the last Ice Age until historical times.
  • identify and describe common artefacts and raw materials from the various archaeological periods.
  • identify and describe the most common structures, sites and site-types from the various archaeological periods in the region. -provide basic descriptions and assessments of common objects and structures from the perspective of conservation.
  • describe Norwegian cultural heritage's current organisation and legislation from the perspective of archaeological heritage.
  • describe and discuss the rationale behind various practices and priorities in Norwegian heritage management today.

Skill objectives. Students will be able to:

  • understand and apply precisely fundamental archaeological terminology.
  • plan and complete independently written assignments of c. 4000 words.
  • find and critically assess relevant academic literature on archaeological topics and themes.
  • express and discuss basic archaeological facts and concepts with teachers and fellow-students, both orally and in writing.
  • partake in individual and group discussions of experiences and impressions from different field excursions and visits.
  • repeat practical experiments with selected basic registration techniques.

Learning methods and activities

The course instruction is provided in the form of lectures, seminars, material course, field work/excursions and exercises. Mandatory activities: Prior to sitting for the exams, the students must attend a minimum of 3/4 of the teaching. 2 short written assignments must be completed in order to take the exam.

Compulsory assignments

  • 2 written exercises
  • 75% attendance

Further on evaluation

The course assessment consists of a written exam and a home assignment, which are weighted respectively 30/70.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Archaeology (BARK)
Cultural Heritage Management and Museum (BKULMI)

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the B.A. in Archaeology or Cultural Heritage.

Course materials

A reading list is made available each semester. Digital compendia of portions of the course litterature are available for enrolled students.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
HFARK111 7.5 AUTUMN 2015
ARK1120 15.0 AUTUMN 2015
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  22.5 SP
Study level: Foundation courses, level I

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Cultural Heritage Management
  • Archaeology
Contact information

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Home examination 30/100

Release
2024-11-28

Submission
2024-11-28


09:00


15:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Autumn ORD Home examination 70/100

Release
2024-11-29

Submission
2024-12-06


09:00


12:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Home examination 30/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Home examination 70/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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