Archaeology of Landscapes

Traditionally, archaeologists are known for excavating sites, but today the focus has broadened towards a great range of non-site evidence that also reveal important information of the past. The Archaeology of Landscapes module is to provide an introductory overview of some of the core concepts and debates of current archaeology with focus on the so-called non-destructive approach of the discipline. Students will explore different methods and technologies (e.g. archaeological surface survey, aerial photography, satellite images, ground-based remote sensing methods) to trace the archaeological features of the landscape, and will learn the ways diverse disciplines (e.g. history, geology, biology) are involved in the archaeological research of human-environment interaction. After a basic introduction to theory and methods, the module will cover issues like settlement areas, boundaries, road network, and different ways of exploitation of the landscape by discussing archaeological case studies, and going to fieldtrips. The module can also be useful for students interested in anthropology, history or environmental studies.