Module Details

Module Code: CULT H2014
Full Title: Prehistoric Europe: Ice Age to Bronze Age
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Conor Brady
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aims of this module are to introduce students to the prehistoric archaeology of Europe. Major themes to be covered will be the Mesolithic period in Northwestern Europe, the spread of agriculture and the forager-farmer interface, the Neolithic of southeastern Europe, the Neolithic of northwestern Europe. The changes associated with the rise of metallurgy will be explored looking in particular at social and economic change, the increased evidence for trade and the emergence of hierarchical societies. Changes in ritual practices over the period will also be examined.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically assess the chronology and key developments associated with each major archaeological period
MLO2 Discuss the broad sequence of change in each region over the prehistoric period
MLO3 Appraise the nature of the evidence from different parts of Europe
MLO4 Critically evaluate the theories explaining social change and the adoption of new technologies
MLO5 Compare developments in continental Europe to those taking place during the corresponding periods in Ireland
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
The European Mesolithic
The Early Mesolithic, The Late Mesolithic
The transition to farming
Mechanisms adopted across Europe - the evidence. The forager/farmer interface
The Neolithic Period
The Neolithic of southeast Europe The Neolithic of Central and Western Europe The Neolithic of the Mediterranean
The European Bronze Age
The Early Bronze Age, The Late Bronze Age. settlement, Burial, Economy, Transport, Burial, Ritual and religion, Metals, crafts and hoards, Social organisation and warfare
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students are required to write a short report describing a site of European significance which illustrates development in Europe during one of the major prehistoric chronological periods covered during the module; approx 1500 words
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students are required to write a research essay comparing the nature of development over a number of chronological periods within a particular region of Europe; approx 2000 words
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing S1 Week 6 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students are required to write a short report describing a site of European significance which illustrates development in Europe during one of the major prehistoric chronological periods covered during the module; approx. 1500 words
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students are required to write a research essay comparing the nature of development over a number of chronological periods within a particular region of Europe; approx. 2000 words
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact A series of topics will be presented to students along with examples drawn from the literature and from the lecturers own research experience. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact Students will be directed to a series of publications on the reading list designed to support the material covered in the lectures and provide detailed information for use in completion of continuous assessment work. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact Students will be encouraged to read additional material relevant to the material covered in the module as well as engaging with a series of selected websites and video material. Visits to archaeological heritage sites is also encouraged. Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact A series of topics will be presented to students along with examples drawn from the literature and from the lecturers own research experience. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact Students will be directed to a series of publications on the reading list designed to support the material covered in the lectures and provide detailed information for use in completion of continuous assessment work. Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact Students will be encouraged to read additional material relevant to the material covered in the module as well as engaging with a series of selected websites and video material. Visits to archaeological heritage sites is also encouraged. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Cunliffe, Barry. (2001), The Oxford Illustrated History of Prehistoric Europe, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Champion, Gamble, Shennan and Whittle. (1997), Prehistoric Europe, 3rd. Academic Press, London.
  • Harding, A.. (2000), European Societies in the Bronze Age, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  • Brian M. Fagan. (2010), People of the Earth: An introduction to world prehistory, 13th. 7, 10, 20, Pearson.
  • Chris Scarre. (2005), The Human Past, 11, Thames and Hudson, London.
  • Milisauskas, Sarunas. (2002), European Prehistory. A Survey, Kluwer/Plenum, London.
  • Mithen, Stephen. Hunter-gatherers of the Mesolithic in The Archaeology of Britain: An Introduction, J Hunter and I Ralston (eds.), 35-57, London ; New York : Routledge. 1999.
  • Pitts, Mike. (1979), Hides and antlers: a new look at the gatherer-hunter site at Star Carr, North Yorkshire, England, World Archaeology, 11, 1, 32-42..
  • Whittle, A.. (1996), Europe in the Neolithic, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Waddell, John. The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland, Galway University Press. 1998.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Archaeology Ireland, Journal of Irish Archaeology, County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal, Irish Geography,History Ireland, Landscapes..
This module does not have any other resources