NNMK11001U Advanced Zooarchaeology

Volume 2015/2016
Content

During this advanced course in zooarchaeology focus will be on identification of fish and bird remains from archaeological excavations. We will also go into further details regarding identification and analyses of animal bone remains like  bone pathology and bones connected with graves and other rituals.
An introduction will be given to analyses of remains from insects and molluscs in archaeological contexts.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

Knowledge of the great lines in the Danish fauna history with a special focus on fish and birds.

Knowledge of excavation methods and sampling strategies obtaining representative material of insects, mollusks, fish and birds suited for modern methods of analysis.

Knowledge of the general skeletal anatomy of fishes and birds and their adaptations to various ways of life.

Knowledge of traditional and modern methods of analysis of subfossil fish and bird bones.

Knowledge of how the various methods can be applied to, e.g., subsistence analyses or reconstruction of palaeoenvironments.

Skills

A solid understanding of the discipline of zooarchaeology with a special focus on identification and analyses of skeletal remains from fish and birds.

An understanding of the potential in the study of insect and mollusk remains retrieved during archaeological excavations.

Be able to recognize the different skeletal elements from fish and birds and identify those from a number of the most commonly found Danish species or groups.

A greater experience in the identification and analyses of animal remains than obtained during the course of Zooarchaeology at the level of BSc.

A detailed knowledge of one or more subjects within the discipline of zooarchaeology obtained through the execution of a minor project.

Competence

Have acquired a comprehensive overview of and be able to discuss classical and modern methods of analyses of fish and bird bone remains.

Understand and be able to explain the possibilities and importance of analyses of archaeological remains from insect and mollusks.

Be able to perform smaller projects regarding identification and analyses of vertebrate bone remains within the discipline of zooarchaeology involving the basic methods.

 

Please find information on Absalon


Textbooks:

Wheeler, A. & Jones, A.K.J. 1989. Fishes. Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology. Cambridge University Press.

 

Serjeantson, D. 2009. Birds. Cambridge manuals in Archaeology. Cambridge University Press (a selection of chapters).

 

BSc degree in archaeology, BSc degree in biology or BSc degree in geology.
We prefer that the students have passed the course of Zooarchaeology at the level of BSc.
The form of teaching and work will be lectures and practical exercise during the first 5-6 weeks followed by supervised group-work during the last 2-3 weeks. The resulting report from the group work will be part of the final examination.
The course is relevant to students from archaeology, biology and geology.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Guidance
  • 10
  • Lectures
  • 24
  • Practical exercises
  • 12
  • Preparation
  • 81
  • Project work
  • 76
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutter
Written assignment
Individual oral examination with starting point in a written report presenting the results of a small group project conducted during the course - without preparation time. The grade is based on an overall assessment.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Re-exam
The written report can be reused in a reexamination.
Criteria for exam assesment

See description