Archaeology and Heritage of Africa

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/archaeology-heritage-africa

Introduction

### Course Review: Archaeology and Heritage of Africa **Overview** "Archaeology and Heritage of Africa" is an engaging online course available on Coursera, funded by the German Foreign Office and developed by the esteemed 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. This course offers a deep dive into Africa's rich archaeological landscape and cultural heritage, which dates back tens of thousands of years, encompassing some of the earliest hominin fossils. The course is structured into four comprehensive modules designed to provide participants with a holistic understanding of African archaeology and heritage management, emphasizing accessibility and academic rigor. **Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Introduction to Archaeology and African Archaeology** - In the first module, participants will embark on an exploration of archaeology in general and its specific nuances in Africa. Key discussions will include African rock art, the continent’s diverse geography, and climate variations. The module also delves into the sources critical for understanding environmental changes in the region. 2. **Introduction to Archaeological Methods** - This module equips learners with knowledge about the various techniques employed in archaeological research. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, including different survey types—ground, aerial, and subsurface surveys—and the introduction of mobile applications in fieldwork. Participants will also be introduced to essential disciplines such as archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, lithic analysis, pottery, and even human remains' study through biological anthropology and archaeogenetics. 3. **Heritage Management** - Understanding heritage's significance in Africa is the focus of this module. It illustrates how heritage can serve as a tool for local development, particularly in fostering sustainable and responsible tourism. The case of heritage management in Namibia, through the example of the Daureb Mountain Guides, highlights local community engagement in preserving and promoting heritage. Furthermore, this module sheds light on the contributions of DAI and ICArEHB towards heritage management efforts. 4. **Case Studies** - In the final module, learners will apply the concepts and methodologies acquired throughout the course to five enlightening case studies. These encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including the dynamics between hunter-gatherer and early farming communities in Southern Mozambique, the analysis of cultivated landscapes in the West African Savanna, the impact of climate change on the Sahara, and the exploration of rock paintings in the Upper Brandberg. This hands-on engagement allows students to see the real-world applications of their learning. **Course Evaluation** The "Archaeology and Heritage of Africa" course is exemplary in its approach, combining theoretical foundations with practical insights, making it both informative and relevant. Here are some highlighted strengths: - **Expert-Driven Content**: Developed through collaboration with leading institutions and experts, the course is grounded in current research and best practices. - **Comprehensive Coverage**: With various topics that span archaeological methods to heritage management, learners receive a broad education that prepares them for further exploration or careers in the field. - **Accessibility**: The course is designed to be easily accessible and provides high-quality resources, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned learners alike. **Recommendation** I wholeheartedly recommend "Archaeology and Heritage of Africa" for anyone interested in archaeology, cultural heritage, or African studies. This course not only enriches one's understanding of Africa’s historical narrative but also emphasizes the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies empowers learners to appreciate the complexities of archaeology and heritage management. Whether you are a student, a professional in the heritage sector, or simply an enthusiastic learner, this course promises a fulfilling educational experience that deepens your appreciation for Africa's archaeological treasures and their significance in the broader context of human history. Enroll now to embark on this enlightening journey into Africa's past!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.