Archaeology and Heritage of Africa from Coursera

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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.

Introduction

During this week you will learn about Archaeology in general and African Archaeology in particular with its own specificities. You will have an introduction to Africa Rock Art and to Africa geographic and climate diversity. Finally, you will learn about the sources for understanding environmental change.

Introduction to Archaeological Methods

This week's curriculum aims to provide you with an understanding of the various methods used by archaeologists and the interdisciplinary nature of archaeological research. The focus will be on different types of surveys such as ground, aerial, and subsurface surveys, as well as the use of mobile applications during surveying. You will also be introduced to various disciplines such as archaeobotany, animal bone technology and function, zooarchaeology, lithic technology, micromorphology, pottery and archaeometry, human remains including biological anthropology and archaeogenetics, and rock art methodology.

Heritage Management

This week, you will gain an understanding of the concept of heritage in Africa and its inherent value. The course will teach you how to use heritage as a tool for local development, specifically in the context of sustainable and responsible tourism. You will also explore the management of heritage in Namibia and learn about the Daureb Mountain Guides, who provide an example of heritage management by local communities. Finally, you will discover the work of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI) and ICArEHB in Africa.

Case Studies

In the final week, you will have the opportunity to apply all the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course to five case studies. These case studies include hunter-gatherer and early farming communities' interactions in Southern Mozambique, archaeobotanical research on cultivated landscapes in the West African Savanna, archaeobotanical research on the de-greening of the Sahara in Northern Chad, the Stone Age of Mozambique in Niassa and Massingir, and the rock paintings of the Upper Brandberg.

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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

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

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Reviewing the basics of African history and archaeology will help you build a strong foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.

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Read an overview of African history
Review the main archaeological methods used in Africa
Explore the different types of cultural heritage found in Africa

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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