Universität Wien

060085 SE SE The Evolution of Hominin Diets (2023S)

8.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 6 - Ägyptologie, Judaistik, Urgeschichte und Historische Archäologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

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. 14 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 09.03. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 16.03. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 23.03. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 30.03. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 20.04. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 27.04. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 04.05. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 11.05. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 25.05. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 01.06. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG
  • Thursday 15.06. 10:00 - 12:15 Seminarraum 13 Franz-Klein-Gasse 1 4.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course is planned as an attendance course (face-to-face). In the event of Covid19-based distance regulations that would restrict the capacity of the room below the number of inscribed students, the course will be offered as a hybrid or digital only course. In the event of another lock-down or similar measure, the course will be switched to digital teaching only.

Aims, Contents and method of the course:
In this seminar we will explore the evolution of hominin diets in the Plio-/Pleistocene. We will do this by discussing important concepts and topics such as food acquisition, nutritional value of various diets, processing techniques, and adaptations to specific habitats/prey species. Further, we will explore concepts like Optimal Foraging Theory, Nutritional Ecology, Cooking Hypothesis, and Broad Spectrum Revolution. We will also discuss how certain analytical approaches are used to shed light on dietary adaptations such as stable isotope analysis, macro- and mesowear analysis, zooarchaeological analysis, residue analysis, and lithic analysis.
Central to the course will be how we can identify dietary strategies in the Palaeolithic archaeological record.

Students will asked to tackle one of the concepts and investigate from all possible angles for their case study. Each student will present on a case study, discuss with the group, and write up their case study.

Students will learn to critically read, synthesise, and present a chosen topic. 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:
* Select a topic/case study from a list provided.
* Perform their own bibliographic search based on an initial 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 topic/case study.
* Present their analysis/findings 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: 21 June 2023).

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 hominin diets in the Plio-/Pleistocene and the concepts and methods used to analyse them. 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.

Assessment and permitted materials

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

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 and dorothea.maria.bosch@univie.ac.at

Active participation and completion of assignments: 30%
Presentation (30 min): 30%
Final written paper (ca. 5000 words excl. bibliography, tables and figure/table captions): 40%
Final written paper is due on due: 21 June 2023.

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.
You might find the following reading useful to get started:
Hublin, J.-J., & Richards, M. P. (2009). The Evolution of Hominin Diets: Integrating Approaches to the Study of Palaeolithic Subsistence. Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology Series. Springer, Dordrecht.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: We 20.03.2024 13:45