Admission requirements
None.
Description
The history of human societies can broadly be defined by three types of societies: foraging, farming, and industrial. Each type of society has its own characteristics and values, and has affected the Earth in different ways. At the same time, the differences between these societies are not clear-cut, nor was there a linear development from the one to another.
In this course, we will study the deep history of the Earth, its human societies, and their interactions, covering:
The basics of the Earth System and its history including the role of life, ecosystems and humans;
The deep history leading to the Anthropocene.
1) the Pleistocene origins of humans and human-environmental relations;
2) the origins and development of agriculture in the context of Holocene climatic conditions;
3) The emergence of industrial societies.The interconnectedness of different species in the past;
The future-oriented archaeology in the Anthropocene: can archaeology contribute to a “better” Anthropocene.
Course set-up
The course consists of weekly lectures and several learning activities in preparation of or during class hours, including one individual assignment.
Course objectives
- Describe the outline of the Earth System;
- Describe the characteristics of foragers, farmers, and industrial societies;
- Reflect on the different values of these societies and their role in current societal challenges;
- Describe the concept of the Anthropocene;
- Recognise different perspectives on human history;
- Summarise the main points of a scientific publication.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button.
Mode of instruction
Weekly lecture/seminar;
Learning activities to prepare for class;
One individual assignment;
Assessment method
Weekly exercises and individual assignment (10%) ;
Multiple choice exam (90%)
Assessment deadlines:
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
Reading list
Main reading:
Morris, I., Seaford, R., Spence, J. D., Korsgaard, C. M. (Christine M., & Atwood, M. (2017). Foragers, farmers, and fossil fuels : how human values evolve (S. Macedo, Ed.). Princeton University Press. Online available through the University Library.
Additional reading will be announced on Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment for all components of your study programme through MyStudymap is mandatory. This applies to both compulsory elements and elective credits. If you are not enrolled, you may not participate.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
All information for those who are interested in taking this course as a Contractstudent is on the Contractonderwijs Archeologie webpage (in Dutch).
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact Dr. A. (Alexander) Verpoorte or Dr N.Ø. (Nathalie) Brusgaard.