Advanced internship in material studies linked to archaeological field projects

90 credits in the subject of Archaeology or Ancient Culture and Society, including Advanced Course in Archaeology (AE1333) or Ancient Culture and Society (AN1333), or equivalent. Earlier field work practice is considerd a merit.

The course focuses on practical training in archaeological analysis, documentation, and material studies which is conducted as part of an overall research field project.

The course initially consists of introductory lectures dealing with different scientific aspects of the current research project and the object of investigation. An introduction to methodological approaches that will be applied during the course is also given. The individual study of the provided literature and/or of other relevant material linked to the object of investigation will also occur.

The student then participates in the study and documentation of the material from the research field project.The study of the material occur normally in the facilities where the archaeological finds are preserved. Participation in archaeological fieldwork can occur with the aim to better understand and contextualize the material under study.

The course provides practical and theoretical knowledge of how archaological material is documented, and investigated; the students will also have the possibility to learn how archaeological material studies can be organized and conducted.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
give a written and oral account of the archaeological fieldwork with a focus on applied archaeological material studies and documentation methods in a specific research context, and have an in-depth understanding and insight into the same.

demonstrate in-depth practical knowledge of documention methods, analyses, and detail studies of archaeological contexts and/or of archaeological material, with particular reference to the application of comparative metholdogical approaches and chronological studies.

Competence and skills
in depth reflect and discuss on the archaeological interpretations of the prehistoric/historic development of the object of investigation

in depth reflect and discuss about the specific archaeological context and/or the material from the object of the research project in question. Discuss their conclusions orally and in written form

work in groups and/or individually with oral and written presentations about the applied methodological approaches

Judgement and approach
relate in depth to archaeological theories, source material, and documentation methods in relation to the research task carried out in the archaeological investigation included in the course.

The framework of the course includes various pedagogical forms, such as lectures, reading of literature and seminars, but with an emphasis on material studies and documentation.

For a passing grade, active participation in the lectures and the archaeological fieldwork is required. The examination form of the course is oral and written. The students complete an individual written assignment linked to the completed material studies in the
form of e.g. a material analysis, a report or equivalent. The assignment is presented at a final compulsory seminar or equivalent

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

The archaeological fieldwork site can vary. Costs for travel and accomodation during hte fieldwork are organized and covered by the actual research project.

Language of instruction: Swedish and/or English