AR2SCF2: "Changing the Face of the Earth: Past, Present and Future Sustainability"

Module code: AR2SCF2

Module provider: Archaeology; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Wendy Matthews , email: w.matthews@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module examines how archaeology, geography, environmental science and anthropology can provide a deep time perspective on global challenges and sustainability and contribute to future solutions such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Looking at case studies from across the world, we will investigate how humans have become a major force in shaping ecosystems and landscapes and examine the impact of change on biodiversity and different sectors of societies through time. By integrating archaeological, environmental and anthropological approaches, this course will provide an understanding of the relationship between ecological and social change as well as vital information on current and future global challenges, the sustainability of societies and human impact on the Earth and other species.

The module aims to provide students from science and non-science backgrounds with an understanding of the sustainability and vulnerability of societies and other species to changes in climate and ecology. It also aims to introduce and develop skills in critical evaluation of evidence of ecological and social change.  It will examine how interdisciplinary investigation can enhance our understanding of human-climate-environment interrelationships and change in the past and today, and how past perspectives can contribute to strategies for sustainable development. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the relationships between societies and environment and ways in which human activities shape the environment; the time depth of current and future environmental concerns and global challenges; and  key concepts of sustainability
2. Critically evaluate and integrate environmental, archaeological, anthropological and historical data from different parts of the world regarding environmental and social impact
3. Understand principles and practice in environmental and social impact assessment  
4. Communicate issues and data on past, present and future sustainability for public audiences.

Module content

Lectures and seminars will introduce key principles and examples of environmental and societal changes and their relevance to current and future global challenges and sustainable development goals. Key-themes include: human influence on ecological systems and biodiversity; vulnerability of societies to climate and environmental change; and sustainable consumption and production. The module will outline issues and potential solutions in: climate change, biodiversity loss, agricultural and soil sustainability, sustainable energy, buildings and communities, and inequality, using a deep-time perspective. It will also develop an understanding of career opportunities in environmental, heritage and other sectors. Seminars and debates will be used to aid students in evaluation of data and policy and practice. Workshops and museum visits will be used to guide students in key elements of environmental and social impact assessment report and communication of issues and data on past, present and future sustainability for public audiences.

Students will become familiar with the dynamic interactions between societies and their environments across the world, from hunter-gatherers to the present day. We will also investigate issues of contemporary global significance, with a focus on sustainable development.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught through a combination of interactive, illustrated lectures, seminar discussions and workshops and museum or field visits.

Study hours

At least 24 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative feedback will be provided on knowledge and critical analysis of key issues in class discussions and the Field Trip. 

Reassessment

Additional costs