Accessibility statement

Plants in Archaeology - ARC00139M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Archaeology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module comprises a detailed account of the theoretical and practical approaches applied to the study of archaeological plant remains. It will explore the latest methods, in particular the analysis of plant microfossils and macrofossils, such as seeds, fruits, roots and tubers, wood, food remains and phytoliths which are recovered from archaeological contexts. This module will explore some of the most up-to-date debates and themes researched by archaeobotanists today with focus on economic uses of plants, food preparation and cuisine. This will be done through a mix of lectures, student-led seminars and practical laboratory workshops to deliver practical skills in sampling, sample preparation, identification, recording and interpretation of a wide range of archaeobotanical remains.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

Specific module aims include:

  • To develop detailed knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework and main practical approaches used to reconstruct past plant economies and diet, using archaeological micro- and macroscopic plant remains.
  • To provide students with the necessary practical skills for the study of plant remains in archaeology with emphasis on identification skills and the latest approaches and scientific techniques.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate archaeobotanical evidence for human use of plants in past societies.
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key research themes and debates in archaeobotany, regarding diet, subsistence, ancient economies, vegetation change and people-environment interactions.
  • Evaluate critically the application of archaeobotanical science in contemporary archaeological practice.
  • Critically interpret different types of archaeobotanical remains found in archaeological contexts.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 30
Essay/coursework 70

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 30
Essay/coursework 70

Module feedback

Formative: oral feedback from module leaders

Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy

Indicative reading

  • Marston, Jo., D'Alpoim Guedes, J and Warinner, C(eds.) (2014). Method and theory in paleoethnobotany . Boulder : University Press of Colorado.
  • Pearsall, D (2015). Paleoethnobotany : a handbook of procedures, 3rd edition. Left Coast Press.
  • Hastorf, C.A., 2016. The social archaeology of food: thinking about eating from prehistory to the present. Cambridge University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.