060050 SE The Replacement of Neanderthals by Modern Humans and the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic Transition (2021W)

The course is planned as an attendance course. In the event of Covid19-based distance regulations that would restrict the capacity of SE13 below the number of inscribed students, the course will be offered as a hybrid course. In the event of another lock-down, the course will be switched to purely digital teaching.

Aims, Contents and method of the course:

Neanderthals are amongst the best-known extinct hominins. Their biology shows significant differences to that of modern humans. The same is true for their behaviour and archaeological record. At the very end of their existence the Neanderthal archaeological record shows some quite dramatic changes. Are these changes innovations by Neanderthals or do they originate through contact with modern humans expanding out of Africa?
In this seminar we will discuss the current debates and issues of the Neanderthal Modern Human replacement and the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. We will also define and review the concept of ‘modern human behaviour’ and discuss whether it is unique to modern humans. Students should become familiar with some of the different interpretive paradigms and critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
In this seminar we will discuss different models of the Neanderthal Modern Human replacement and the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. We will apply them to a number of case studies from Western Eurasia. Students will research the archaeological (and - at a more general level - palaeoanthropological) evidence from these case study regions and apply the concepts discussed in the introductory sessions. Each student will present on a case study, discuss with the group, and write up their major case study.

Students will learn to critically read, synthesise, and present a chosen major case study. Hence, they will be expected to acquire a good knowledge of the topic. This includes a sound understanding of concepts and theoretical frameworks, as well as archaeological evidence. In addition, they will learn about some of the more important Middle and Upper Palaeolithic sites of Western Eurasia.

Students will be expected to:
* Select a case study from a list provided.
* Perform their own bibliographic search based on a reading list.
* Critically read and summarise general as well as specialised texts as well as present and discuss these texts.
* Perform independent research on the selected case study.
* Present their analysis in a presentation.
* Give and receive feedback on their presentation.
* Learn producing and presenting scientific research, including presentation styles.
* Write up their case study analysis as a final paper (due: 1 February 2022).

Methods include lecturing, reading, group discussions, presentations, and written papers.

On the successful completion of this seminar students should be able to produce high quality written work that demonstrates an informed and critical understanding of the Neanderthal Modern Human replacement and the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. They will have presented on a case study, discussed their findings with other students, and produced written work displaying their critical abilities in assessing theories and syntheses as well as integrating archaeological evidence in their argumentation.