Megaliths of Europe

During the Neolithic, people all over Europe built megalithic tombs and erected standing stones - mainly in the areas near the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea. These prominent features are still clearly visible in the landscape, for example in the Falbygden area around Falköping in Västergötland. In this course, we study the architecture and location of megalithic tombs in the landscape as well as their social significance. With examples of different megalith environments in Europe, these aspects are discussed and problematized. We analyze and compare megalithic regions, such as Scandinavia, north-western France, northern Germany and the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, we deal with scientific methods - their implications for, and applicability in, contemporary megalithic research.

Within the scope of the course, various pedagogical forms are included such as lectures and seminars, both on campus and online. Furthermore, two excursions to a West Swedish megalithic environment are included.. In parallel with lectures and seminars, the students work on individual assignments.