HARKS2026U ARK Introduction to Maritime Archaeology

Volume 2025/2026
Education

Prehistoric Archaeology, Classical Archaeology

Content

Denmark provides very detailed source material for the field of maritime archaeology. With finds of ships and submerged settlements, it is one of the key starting points for the discipline and has since been a proving ground for most of its developments. The aim of this course is to present to and discuss with students and experts the research history, up-to-date theories, methods, research agendas, and issues within the field of maritime archaeology. The course will primarily focus on Scandinavia and Northern Europe as its geographical basis but will also touch upon global case-studies. Lectures on material culture and intangible cultural heritage and heritage management will be supplemented by practical experience in documentation and interpretation methods, including experimental archaeology.

The course will be hosted by the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde and the UCPH School of Archaeology, include guest lectures from colleagues at the Globe Institute as well as the National Museum of Denmark.

The course includes 5 modules

Module 1:  Introduction

1a. Introduction to maritime archaeology (definitions, general practice, course overview)

1b. History of the practice in the Denmark, Scandinavia and Northern Europe

1c. Maritime Landscapes

Module 2: Finds/Datasets

2a. Ports / harbours / anchorages /submerged settlements

2b. Ship construction / sail technology

2c. Cargoes and routes

2d. Maritime Textiles 

Module 3: Survey and Excavation Methods

3a. Theory: approaches todifferent site types, materials, site processes

3b. Geomorphology and geoarchaeology 

3c. Coastal survey, diving, excavation, and remote sensing (marine, aerial, terrestrial)

Module 4: Documentation and Analyses

4a. Scanning, photogrammetry, visual interpretation, dendrochronology

4b. Ethno-archaeology + experimental archaeology

4c. Sailing

4d. Scientific analyses

Module 5: Heritage Management

5a. Heritage management: National legislation, UNESCO conventions, at-risk heritage, best practices.

Learning Outcome

BA Independent Study 

Learning objectives, teaching and working methods, examination, and special provisions

At the examination, the student must be able to demonstrate:

 

Knowledge of

  • a selected topic with an understanding of its significance within a broader academic context.

Skills in

  • applying the scientific analytical tools and methods of a field and justifying their use in relation to the given problem.
  • providing a reflective and independent analysis of key issues within the relevant field.
  • communicating academic material and academic discussion in a clear and well‑documented manner, in accordance with academic standards.

Competencies to

  • place the chosen topic within a relevant theoretical context and relate to the methods used in the field in question.

 

MA Independent Study 2

Learning objectives, teaching and working methods, examination, and special provisions

At the examination, the student must be able to demonstrate:

 

Knowledge of

• a selected topic, with an understanding of its significance within a broader academic context
• relevant theories and methods.

Skills in

• applying the scientific analytical tools and methods of a given field, and justifying their use in relation to the specific problem

• providing a reflective and independent analysis of key issues within the relevant field

• presenting academic material and scholarly discussion in a clear and well‑documented manner, in accordance with academic standards.

Competencies to

• place the chosen topic within a relevant theoretical context and engage with the methods used in the field

• work independently on a topic.

Belasus, M. & A. Daly (2022), Timber Resources for the ‘Bremen Cog’. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology 51.2: 207-231
Crumlin-Pedersen, O. (2011), Archaeology and the Sea in Scandinavia and Britain: A Personal Account (Viking Ship Museum)
Harpster, M. (2009), Keith Muckelroy: Methods, Ideas and Maritime Archaeology. Journal of Maritime Archaeology 4: 67-82
Jones, J., C. Mires & D. Zwick (eds) (2025), Intertidal Shipwrecks: Management of a Historic Resource in an Unmanageable Environment (University Press of Florida)
McCarthy, J.K., J. Benjamin, T. Winton & W. van Duivenvoorde (eds) (2019), 3D Recording and Interpretation for Maritime Archaeology (Springer, Cham)
Viduka, A. (2012), Intrusive Techniques in Underwater Archaeology. In: Training Manual for the UNESCO Foundation Course on the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO, Paris), 2-29
Westerdahl, C. (1992), The maritime cultural landscape, International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 21:1, 5-14Additional literature will be made available at the start of the course
 

A minimum of 7.5 ECTS in an archaeology related subject is required.
Classroom teaching, lectures, exercises, excursions
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 56
  • Preparation
  • 40
  • Exercises
  • 15
  • Excursions
  • 15
  • Exam
  • 80
  • Total
  • 206
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Home assignment
Type of assessment details
Extent: 11-15 pages
Group regulations: The examination can only be taken individually.
Language of examination: English

Curriculum: The student selects a syllabus of 900–1000 standard pages, which must be approved by the examiner.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period

The assignment must be handed in October 1st 2026 at the latest.

Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome.