Introduction to geoarchaeology 1300-PWGA3L
The introductory seminar will focus on preparing students for independent research work concerning presentation of particular sedimentary environments in terms of attractiveness for settlement and the possibility of artefacts preservation in these environments and the use of geological methods in archaeological research. Classes will base on scientific results in the fields of geomorphology, geology, sedimentology, mineralogy, geophysics, geochemistry and pedology to reconstruct the environment in which the man lived. Students will present different sedimentary environments and processes related to them in order to better understand settlement preferences of the communities such as: terrain, slopes, soils and sediments, as well as the possibility of artefacts preservation in sediments of different genesis. At the same time the methods for reconstruction of living conditions in historical times, the type of archaeological sites, their activity time, as well as the reconstruction of the landscape and its evolution resulting from natural and anthropogenic factors and climate changes accompanying man will be discussed.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students
KNOWLEDGE
1. Knowledge of sedimentary environments and relatedprocessesin terms of their attractiveness for settlements;
2. Knowledge of sedimentary environments and related processes favourable in preservation of artefacts;
3. Knowledge of methods that can be used to restore the relationship between the natural environment and human activity;
4. Knowledge of sediments dating methods that can be applied on archaeological sites.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
1. Ability to restore the environmental conditions at the time of humanactivity on the archaeological site;
2. Ability of defining a geological work location in which it will be possible to obtain information about human activities and changes in exploitation of the area;
3. Ability to study the sediment in terms of its structural and textural characteristics, thus restoring the process responsible for transportation and accumulation of sediments found on an archaeological site and in its neighbourhood;
4. Ability to work on archaeological sites, in a way that does not interfere with the work of archaeologists.
ATTITUDES
1. The student is prepared to work both, on archaeological sites and in the laboratory;
2. He appreciates the importance of earth sciences in archaeological research.
Assessment criteria
Each student will present the chosen subjectat least twice. Attendance mandatory. Absence from class is permitted only twice.
The final assessment will be a combination of results obtained from two presentations (90%) and attendance (10%).
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: