AR2304 - From Stonehenge to the Colosseum: Archaeology of Europe

[Offered in odd-numbered years]

Through a grand tour of the most important prehistoric sites across Europe, this subject provides an overview of the major features of human prehistory of the European continent. From nomadic hunter-gatherer societies during the ice ages to the emergence of agriculture and complex societies, we will investigate the material evidence left behind by 40,000 generations of human occupation. This will include Stone Age and Metal Age technologies, art, ceramic traditions, monuments, burial rituals and the emergence of social complexity associated with population dynamics. We will discuss theories about the diffusion of ideas, migration and interaction. The subject will provide students with an opportunity to study a range of archaeological issues which shape the understanding, and misunderstanding, of the archaeological record worldwide.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the broad range of sources used in European archaeology;
• acquire knowledge of the main archaeological sites and sequences of western Europe from the beginning of human occupation of the continent to the early Iron Age;
• appraise the problems of identifying ethnicity in the archaeological record;
• achieve the ability to evaluate the importance of European archaeology in the development of interpretive models in the discipline;
• discuss the role that archaeological evidence plays in the construction of contemporary identities.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination - In class - (30%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (35%) - Individual
• One UNESCO site presentation, this includes engagement with site significance assessment. Internal to be oral presentation, external to be Research report - (25%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.