060076 SE Bachelor Seminar: How to analyse Palaeolithic surface collections? (2025S)

In the course of the BA seminar we focus on how we can analyse Palaeolithic surface collections. The goal is to present and actively use different approaches to study material collected on the surface. We will entirely focus on lithic material, but might also discuss faunal remains. The course is divided into two parts: In the first part, we will provide an overview of different methods of analysis of lithic artefacts, illustrating the theoretical framework, possibilities, and limitations of each method. The second part involves practical training for students on lithic material from the site of Csaterberg (Province Burgenland). The site is known as a raw material source for opalites/limnosilicites and yielded surface collections, which indicate an exploitation from the Middle Palaeolithic until the Neolithic. Equipped with the necessary principles and tools on how to approach a stone artefact assemblage, the students will test for themselves and learn about what kind of data they can extract from a surface site and what the study of such a context (vs. occupational layers of stratigraphic integrity) can add to the understanding of past human behaviours. BA theses will be assigned in the course of the BA seminar in joint discussions with the students.

Vorbesprechung: 5.3., 11:30-12:30, HS 7

All further meetings in Lithothek:
28.4. – 10h – 16h
29.4. – 10h – 16h
30.4. – 10h – 16h
7.5. – 13h – 16h
14.5. – 13h – 16h
21.5. – 13h – 16h
28.5. – 13h – 16h
4.6. – 13 – 14h
11.6. – 13 – 14h
18.6. – 13 – 14h
25.6. – 13 – 14h