Archaeology of the North, _MSc

Information for part-time students: The course will be spread over two years. In year 1, students will take PD5006, AY5002*, and AY5501. In year 2, students will take AY5001, AY5504*, and AY5902.

*Subject to agreement, these courses can be replaced with other Archaeology courses or one from a sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in non-archaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).

Compulsory Courses

*Subject to agreement, AY5002 can be replaced with another Archaeology course or one from a sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in non-archaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).

Northern Worlds (AY5001)

30 Credit Points

In a series of research-led lectures and seminars, students investigate what characterises the Archaeology of the North from environmental, socio-cultural, and ideological aspects. We examine several inter-locking themes, from the first colonisations of the North tracing how these earlier populations established the cultural, ethnic and religious diversity that define later periods. Students will be introduced to the ecological characteristics of higher latitudes, and examine the diverse ways in which communities have made the Northern World their home. We also examine how human communities have responded to climate changes in the past, resilience and adaptation, technology, and spirituality amongst Northern peoples

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Theory and Method in Research (AY5002)

30 Credit Points

In this course students will follow the development of archaeological thought from its roots in the scientific revolution of the 17th century through to the post-modern thinkers and finally discovering where the current theoretical debates stand. Students will explore the links between the theoretical development of archaeological research and the general developments in the history of science and philosophy. Students also explore different methodologies central to archaeological research, discuss what constitute archaeological data, and how to design a research project. Students will also discuss research ethics, and scientific agendas. These issues are explored through a series of lectures and seminars.

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Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

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Compulsory Courses

Subject to agreement, AY5504 can be replaced with other Archaeology courses or one from a
sister discipline, such as Anthropology (note, only a maximum of 30 credits can be taken in nonarchaeology courses across Stages 1 and 2).

Northern Peoples and Culture (AY5501)

30 Credit Points

In a series of text based student-led seminars we study past Northern Peoples and Cultures through key topical debates, characteristic for different cultural regions and time periods. In the seminars students examine a range of northern contexts, from prehistory to more recent times all over the Circumpolar North. Students encounter topics as versatile as animal domestication in Northern Eurasia, Scandinavian Vikings, and Colonial North America illustrating the diversity of life and thought in Northern communities. Each seminar will also explore how particular key issues have become central to the 'identity' of archaeological research in the respective areas

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Advanced Archaeological Approaches (AY5504)

30 Credit Points

As an advanced engagement with current trends and approaches in Northern Archaeology students examine current cutting edge debates associated with new theories and methodologies in archaeological research. Students will encounter the versatility of methodological and theoretical approaches in Northern research through four different themes central to the Archaeology of the North; Body and Death, Heritage and Memory, Social Space and Structures, Human and Environment. Each theme is explored through series of research led seminars and a practical, approaching the theme from different theoretical/methodological angels. The main assessment of the course is an Internal Masters Conference on these four themes.

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Compulsory Courses

Previous, final research projects include:

• Landscapes of the Dead: A Study of the Pictish Barrow Cemeteries of North-East Scotland
• Another World: A Study of Visitor Perceptions of Medieval Archaeology at Two Castles in Scotland

Dissertation in Archaeology (AY5902)

60 Credit Points

This course let the students build on the skills and knowledge they acquired in the other courses of the MSc in Archaeology of the North, as they design and conduct their own research project. The student conduct independent studies on a topic of their own choice within the northern theme. All students will receive staff supervision in identifying a suitable topic and in completing an original research project. The course also includes a number of research seminars, and in addition to their written dissertation students are expected to produce a short popular piece presenting their research to a non-academic audience.

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