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Sofia Fonseca
and
Jörg Linstädter
This course was funded by the German Foreign Office and developed by the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), in collaboration with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behavior (ICArEHB) in Portugal, and the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, with input from experts around the world. Africa has a rich cultural heritage spanning tens of thousands of years, including the earliest known fossils of our hominin ancestors, abundant and diverse rock art sites, and some of the oldest civilizations in human history. Would you like to know more about the new methods archaeologists are using to study African archaeology? And to learn directly from case studies with researchers working on the continent? Are you interested in knowing the role local communities have in the preservation and protection of heritage sites? By enrolling in this course, you will have the opportunity to learn and explore these and so many other subjects in African Archaeology and Heritage and discover the rich and diverse heritage of Africa.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ft2mch/archaeology
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What's inside
Syllabus
Archaeology and Heritage of Africa
The course is structured into four modules: Introduction to Archaeology and African Archaeology, Archaeological Methods, Heritage Management, and Case Studies, which showcase research projects from Mozambique, Chad, Namibia, and the West African Savanna. Through this course, our goal is to offer easily accessible and high-quality online resources on the subject, as well as to emphasize the relevance and impact of these topics within the wider field of archaeological and heritage studies.
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Syllabus
Archaeology and Heritage of Africa
The course is structured into four modules: Introduction to Archaeology and African Archaeology, Archaeological Methods, Heritage Management, and Case Studies, which showcase research projects from Mozambique, Chad, Namibia, and the West African Savanna. Through this course, our goal is to offer easily accessible and high-quality online resources on the subject, as well as to emphasize the relevance and impact of these topics within the wider field of archaeological and heritage studies.
Read more
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Well-suited for students new to African archaeology
High-quality video content available
Addresses the protection and preservation of heritage sites
Taught by instructors with expertise in different facets of African archaeology
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Reviews summary
Exploring africa's rich archaeological heritage
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Africa's archaeology and heritage. Students particularly value its in-depth coverage, from fundamental archaeological concepts to specific African contexts, including ancient civilizations and rock art. The curriculum is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating various scientific methods and new archaeological techniques. A significant highlight is the focus on real-world case studies, featuring researchers working directly on the continent and emphasizing local community involvement in heritage preservation. The course is considered a high-quality online resource, making this fascinating subject accessible to a wide audience.
Offers high-quality, easily accessible resources suitable for online learning.
"The online format made it very convenient to learn about such a rich subject, allowing me to pace myself."
"I found the resources provided to be high-quality and easy to navigate, which enhanced my learning experience."
"The structure of the course modules made it simple to follow the progression of topics, even for complex subjects."
Connects archaeology with diverse fields and modern techniques.
"I gained a better understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of archaeological research, covering everything from archaeobotany to archaeogenetics."
"The course effectively integrates different scientific methods, showing the breadth and collaborative nature of the field."
"I appreciated the introduction to mobile applications for surveying and other new methodological approaches discussed in detail."
Emphasizes the importance of heritage in local development and community involvement.
"The segment on heritage management and its role in sustainable tourism was especially thought-provoking and relevant to current issues."
"I learned a lot about how local communities can be central to preserving heritage sites, exemplified by the Daureb Mountain Guides."
"It was great to see the real-world impact and ethical considerations addressed, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation."
Features practical, real-world examples led by active researchers.
"Learning about the research projects directly from those working in Mozambique and Chad was invaluable for understanding practical application."
"The case studies made the theoretical knowledge feel incredibly relevant and alive, connecting concepts to real sites."
"I enjoyed seeing how archaeologists apply new methods on the continent through these detailed examples like the Stone Age of Mozambique."
Provides a broad and deep exploration of African archaeology and heritage.
"I really appreciated the span from general archaeology to specific African contexts, offering a foundational understanding."
"The course covers a remarkable range, from ancient hominins to modern heritage management concepts."
"I found the modules on archaeological methods particularly informative and well-structured, detailing various survey types and disciplines."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Archaeology and Heritage of Africa with these
activities:
Review the basics of African history and archaeology
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of African history and archaeology will help you build a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
Show steps
-
Read an overview of African history
-
Review the main archaeological methods used in Africa
-
Explore the different types of cultural heritage found in Africa
Show all one activities
Review the basics of African history and archaeology
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of African history and archaeology will help you build a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an overview of African history
- Review the main archaeological methods used in Africa
- Explore the different types of cultural heritage found in Africa
Show all one activities
Career center
Learners who complete Archaeology and Heritage of Africa will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Heritage Manager
Heritage Manager
Heritage Managers are responsible for planning and managing the conservation and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a strong foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Heritage Managers who work in Africa. The course also covers topics such as heritage management and sustainable development, which are directly relevant to the work of Heritage Managers.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists manage and preserve historical documents and records. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Archivists who work with African collections. The course also covers topics such as archival theory and practice, which are directly relevant to the work of Archivists.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians manage and provide access to information resources. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Librarians who work with African collections. The course also covers topics such as library science and information management, which are directly relevant to the work of Librarians.
Archaeological Field Technician
Archaeological Field Technician
Archaeological Field Technicians assist Archaeologists with the excavation and recording of archaeological sites. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods and techniques, which is essential knowledge for Archaeological Field Technicians. The course also covers topics such as African archaeology and heritage management, which are directly relevant to the work of Archaeological Field Technicians.
Archaeological Lab Technician
Archaeological Lab Technician
Archaeological Lab Technicians process and analyze archaeological materials, such as artifacts, ecofacts, and samples. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods and techniques, which is essential knowledge for Archaeological Lab Technicians. The course also covers topics such as African archaeology and heritage management, which are directly relevant to the work of Archaeological Lab Technicians.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing environmental control over museum collections. They also conduct research, design exhibits, and develop educational programs. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a strong foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Museum Curators who work with African collections. The course also covers topics such as heritage management and museum studies, which are directly relevant to the work of Museum Curators.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the behavior, beliefs, and languages of different cultures. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Cultural Anthropologists who work in Africa. The course also covers topics such as heritage management and sustainable development, which are directly relevant to the work of Cultural Anthropologists.
Archaeological Survey Technician
Archaeological Survey Technician
Archaeological Survey Technicians conduct surveys to locate and document archaeological sites. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods and techniques, which is essential knowledge for Archaeological Survey Technicians. The course also covers topics such as African archaeology and heritage management, which are directly relevant to the work of Archaeological Survey Technicians.
Rock Art Researcher
Rock Art Researcher
Rock Art Researchers study rock art, which is art created on rock surfaces. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods and techniques, which is essential knowledge for Rock Art Researchers. The course also covers topics such as African rock art and heritage management, which are directly relevant to the work of Rock Art Researchers.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs at museums. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Museum Educators who work in museums with African collections. The course also covers topics such as museum studies and educational theory, which are directly relevant to the work of Museum Educators.
Heritage Tourism Manager
Heritage Tourism Manager
Heritage Tourism Managers plan and manage tourism activities at cultural and natural heritage sites. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Heritage Tourism Managers who work in Africa. The course also covers topics such as heritage management and sustainable development, which are directly relevant to the work of Heritage Tourism Managers.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in the history and culture of Africa, which is essential knowledge for Teachers who teach about Africa. The course also covers topics such as educational theory and practice, which are directly relevant to the work of Teachers.
Archaeological Illustrator
Archaeological Illustrator
Archaeological Illustrators create drawings, maps, and other visual representations of archaeological sites and artifacts. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods and techniques, which is essential knowledge for Archaeological Illustrators. The course also covers topics such as African archaeology and heritage management, which are directly relevant to the work of Archaeological Illustrators.
Archaeological Photographer
Archaeological Photographer
Archaeological Photographers document archaeological sites and artifacts through photography. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid foundation in archaeological methods and techniques, which is essential knowledge for Archaeological Photographers. The course also covers topics such as African archaeology and heritage management, which are directly relevant to the work of Archaeological Photographers.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study past peoples and cultures by excavating and examining material remains like tools, pottery, and structures. The Archaeology and Heritage of Africa course provides a solid introduction to the field of archaeology, with a focus on African archaeology. The course covers a range of topics, including archaeological methods, heritage management, and case studies. This course may be useful for aspiring Archaeologists who want to learn more about the history and culture of Africa.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ft2mch/archaeology
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Archaeology and Heritage of Africa.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of archaeological methods and techniques used in Africa, It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of urbanism in Africa. It covers the different types of urban settlements that have been found in the continent, and the social and economic changes that have accompanied the transition to urbanism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of African rock art. It covers the different types of rock art, the techniques used to create it, and the meanings and significance of the images.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of religion in Africa. It covers the different types of religious practices that have been found in the continent, and the social and economic changes that have accompanied the development of religion.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of colonialism in Africa. It covers the different types of colonial settlements that were found in the continent, and the social and economic changes that accompanied the development of colonialism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of the African diaspora. It covers the different types of African settlements that have been found outside of Africa, and the social and economic changes that accompanied the development of the African diaspora.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of trade and exchange in Africa. It covers the different types of goods that were traded, the routes that were used, and the social and economic changes that accompanied the development of trade.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ft2mch/archaeology
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Effort
5 weeks - 6 hours / week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Instructors
Sofia Fonseca
Jörg Linstädter
Language
English
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