Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject A: Living and dying in wetlands
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37369
Module Lead	Dr David Smith
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-30 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject B: Living and dying in wetlands) will allow students to engage in in-depth research and study on a topic in Classics, Byzantine Studies, Egyptology, Ancient History, or Archaeology. Working in a small group format under the guidance of the module co-ordinator, students will engage with key primary material and with research findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies associated with the module topic. The module will help students to develop and exercise advanced research skills and to learn through critique and discussion, as well as to acquire knowledge and expertise in their chosen topic. Wetlands are disappearing but, in the past, they were highly productive and heavily exploited landscapes. Most of us have lost our connection to wetlands, but this course will re-introduce you to the history and lifeways of wetlands from prehistory to modern day conservation. This module will provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the past. It will survey wetland reconstruction, exploitation, archaeology, history, drainage and reception, and will explore the methods by which we study them. From prehistoric human sacrifice to Roman exploitation and post medieval landscape reclamation, the study of wetlands is augmented by the exceptional preservation that these environments can offer. Although wetlands may seem like marginal places, for the study of the past the high levels of preservation of sedimentary records of the natural environment, alongside exceptional preservation of cultural and human remains, mean that they have much to tell us about the whole landscape. This extends from what and how people farmed, through to the issues of environmental and climate change that are so prevalent today.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: analyse and appraise key findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies relevant to the material under discussion analyse and evaluate a wide range of relevant primary source material critically evaluate the scholarly context and trends of the subject under exploration summarise and evaluate the subject material with clarity and confidence, in writing and in oral presentation
Assessment	37369-01 : 2000 Word Essay : Coursework (50%) 37369-02 : 10 Minute Presentation : Presentation (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay (50%) and 1 x 10-minute individual presentations (50%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s)
Other
Reading List