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

Module code: AR2SCF2

Module provider: Archaeology; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Wendy Matthews, email: w.matthews@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 20 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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. 

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. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Understand the relationships between societies and environment and ways in which human activities shape the environment
2. Understand the time depth of current and future environmental concerns and global challenges and understand key concepts of sustainability
3. Critically evaluate and integrate environmental, archaeological, anthropological and historical data from different parts of the world regarding environmental and social issues
4. Communicate scientific evidence to policy-makers and the public and understand environment and heritage impact assessment policy and practice

Module 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. 

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. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

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

Study hours

At least 23 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative feedback will be provided on knowledge and critical analysis of key issues in class discussions and the Field Trip. 

Reassessment

Additional costs