AR2SCF2-Changing the Face of the Earth: Past, Present and Future Sustainability

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Wendy Matthews
Email: w.matthews@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines how archaeology, environmental science and anthropology can provide a deep time perspective on global challenges and sustainability and contribute to future solutions such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Human societies are highly dependent on natural resources and the archaeological record is full of examples of the emergence, sustainability, and collapse of communities and civilizations. The role of humans in changing climate and ecosystems is an important issue that now affects political, economic and social life globally and there is much debate about the onset date of the “Anthropocene”. Looking at case studies from across the world, this module will investigate how humans have become a major force in shaping ecosystems and landscapes, and the impact of change on different societies through time. By integrating archaeological, environmental and anthropological approaches, this course will provide an understanding of the relationship between ecological and social change as well as vital information on current and future global challenges, the sustainability of societies and human impact on the Earth and other species.

Aims:

The module aims to provide students from science and non-science backgrounds with an understanding of the sustainability and vulnerability of societies and communities to natural and anthropogenic ecological changes. It also aims to introduce and develop critical evaluation of the sources of evidence of environmental and social change.  It will examine how interdisciplinary investigation of these issues can enhance our understanding of human/climate/environment change in the past and today, and how past perspectives can contribute to strategies for sustainable development. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the students will be able:

• to understand the relationships between societies and environment


• to understand the time depth of current and future environmental concerns and global challenges


• to understand the ways in which human activities shape the environment


• to integrate environmental, archaeological, anthropological and historical data from different parts of the world regarding environmental and social issues


• to understand key concepts of sustainability


• to communicate scientific evidence to policy-makers and the public


• to understand environment and heritage impact assessment policy and practice

Additional outcomes:

• Students will develop their critical analytical thinking skills and gain transferable skills in planning, evaluating and communicating research on key issues in class discussions and the written assignments.


• Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between archaeology, anthropology, sustainable development, inequality and nature conservation.


• Student will also develop a critical approach to the use and presentation of data including arguments based on numbers.

Outline content:

Interactive, illustrated lectures and seminars will introduce key principles and examples of societal and environmental changes and their relevance to current and future global challenges. Key-themes are: vulnerability of societies to climate and environmental change, human influence on the landscape and ecological systems, and use of archaeological, anthropological and environmental data. The module will outline issues of: climate change, biodiversity, extinctions and introductions, agricultural and soil sustainability, and sustainable buildings, energy and communities and inequality, using a deep-time perspective. It will also develop an understanding of career opportunities. Seminars and debates will be used to aid students in evaluation of data and policy and practice. Workshops will be used to guide students on the key elements of environment and heritage impact assessments for development proposals from environment and heritage perspectives, and on how to write a policy briefing. This module includes integration of scientific, archaeological and anthropological approaches and past and present datasets to inform the design, management and implementation of potential solutions to contemporary global challenges and sustainable development goals.

Global context:

Students will become familiar with the dynamic interactions between societies and their environments across the world, from hunter-gatherers to the present day. We will also investigate issues of contemporary global significance, with a focus on sustainable development.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be taught through a combination of interactive, illustrated lectures, seminar discussions and workshops.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		14
Seminars		2
Project Supervision		1
Supervised time in studio/workshop		1
External visits		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		35
Preparation for seminars		10
Preparation of practical report		38
Essay preparation		90
Reflection		5
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Report	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Environmental and social policy briefing c. 1000 words (30%)

Environment and heritage Impact Assessment c. 3000 words (70%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework on dates set by the department. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022