Universität Wien

060068 SE The Neanderthal - modern human replacement (2024W)

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 12 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 04.10. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 11.10. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 18.10. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 10.01. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 17.01. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Friday 24.01. 09:00 - 12:00 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG

Information

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 explore Neanderthal and modern human behaviour with regard of technological organisation, mobility and land-use, dietary strategies, use of symbols, etc. Students will research the archaeological (and - at a more general level palaeoanthropological/genetic) evidence using a wide range of readings and case-studies and apply the concepts discussed in the introductory sessions. Each student will present papers/case studies at several occasions through the term, discuss with the group, and write up a major case study.

Students will learn to critically read, synthesise, and present a chosen topic/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.

Students will be expected to:
* 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 selected case studies.
* Present their analysis in a presentation.
* Learn producing and presenting scientific research.
* Write up their case study analysis as a final paper (due: 31 January 2025).

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 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.

Assessment and permitted materials

Seminar (including the assessments) will be entirely in English.
Assessment is based on active participation and completion of assignments and a final written paper.

The assessed course components ‘active participation’ and ‘presentation’ are planned as oral assessments in presence (face-to-face).

The use of generative AI tools is not allowed in written examinations or written final papers/essays. The same applies to the preparation of presentations or seminar papers. Students may not pass off AI-generated text as their own.
If students use generative AI tools as part of the research and preparation of written papers/essays or seminar papers, they must indicate the used tools as an aid and define which aspects were created by generative AI tools. Under no circumstances may they pass off texts created by generative AI tools as their texts (even if it is only one sentence).
In order to ensure good scientific practice, the lecturers may provide for an oral reflection on the written papers and/or seminar papers submitted, which must be successfully completed. Students have a duty to participate in this.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Seminar (including the assessments) will be entirely in English.
Previous attendance of an Introduction in Palaeolithic Archaeology (or similar) strongly advised.

This is a course with continuous assessment, i.e., compulsory attendance and active participation throughout. Two non-excused cases of absence are permitted. Foreseeable non-attendance or absence must be announced at least one working day in advance by e-mail: philip.nigst@univie.ac.at.

Active participation and completion of assignments: 50%
Final written paper (ca. 5000 words excl. bibliography, tables and figure/table captions): 50%
Final written paper is due on due: 31 January 2025.

Points and grades of the individual assessments and the final grade:
Points grade
100-87 1
86-75 2
74-63 3
62-51 4
50-0 5

Examination topics

Topics of the course.

Reading list

Required readings for the course will include journal papers, book chapters, and books. A detailed reading list will be made available on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 11.10.2024 13:05