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Archaeology, Space and Time: Social Theory and Computational Methods

Code: 44477
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Prehistoric Archaeology OB 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Ermengol Gassiot Ballbe
Email :
ermengol.gassiot@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Juan Antonio Barceló Álvarez
Albert Garcia Pique

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Students should have a sufficient background in history and archaeology, with previous knowledge of archaeological methodology at the undergraduate level, and some experience in working with archaeological materials. Initial knowledge of cartography and basic statistics is recommended, although not compulsory. Knowledge of mathematics at secondary school level. Computer skills at user level.

Objectives

This course aims to introducegraduate students in archaeology and history to the social theory of archaeological space-time. In addition to the epistemological debate, the methodology of spatio-temporal analysis is presented, with special reference to georeferencing techniques and absolute and relative dating techniques. Different aspects of spatio-temporal analysis are explained, insisting on the construction of social spaces, landscapes and territories, while methodologies and techniques for the construction and analysis of time series are introduced.  Students are given access to computer technology for Geographic Information Systems, geostatistics and chronostatistics.

Learning outcomes

  1. That the students can apply their knowledge and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.
  2. That students are able to integrate knowledge and handle complexity and formulate judgments based on information that was incomplete or limited, include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
  3. Incorporate ethical considerations into the analysis of the cultural needs of different groups.
  4. Evaluate the real potential for influencing the public through cultural action.
  5. Include gender perspectives, universal accessibility and multiculturalism when proposing and reflecting on work.
  6. Knowledge and understanding that provide a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and / or applying ideas, often in a research context.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to integrate into a team with specialists from other disciplines.
  8. Identify the areas in which spatial analysis of archaeological data can be applied when studying prehistory, and the specific need for georeferenced data and cartographies.
  9. Identify the areas in which temporal analysis of archaeological data can be applied when studying prehistory, and the specific need for absolute and relative dating.
  10. Review the general foundations of the technologies of space-temporal analysis.
  11. Theorise about the possibility of analysing and explaining the prehistoric past based on scientific analysis of spatial variation (micro and macro).
  12. Theorise about the possibility of analysing and explaining the prehistoric past based on scientific analysis of temporal variation of chronological series.
  13. Solve problems in archaeology that are formulated in terms of space-temporal variability.
  14. Evaluate the results of spatial and temporal analyses to explain social action in prehistory.
  15. Incorporate the conceptual foundations of space-temporal analysis into the design of a research project in prehistoric archaeology.
  16. Analyse the practical problems stemming from the application of information technologies for space-temporal analysis in prehistory and archaeology research.
  17. Make use of spatial analysis techniques to solve problems in archaeology.
  18. Make use of temporal and chronological analysis techniques to solve problems in archaeology.
  19. Demonstrate the efficacy of information technologies for space-temporal analysis in solving problems in archaeology.
  20. Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise scientific explanations in archaeology, based on analytic results.
  21. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise and integrate data in a scientific project.
  22. Synthesise the advanced knowledge existing in this area.
  23. Build on the knowledge acquired and apply it to the resolution of problems other than those studied in class.

Contents

Introduction to the analysis of space and time in Archeology (Theory)
Spatial data: Macro scale. Documentation and Study of Archaeological Landscapes
Spatial data: Micro scale. Documentation and Study of Archaeological Sites
Spatial data: Practices with computers and software (Geographic Information Systems)
Analysis and interpretation of the archaeological space. Theory and Practice.
Time measurement in Archeology: dendrochronology

Time measurement in Archeology:radiocarbon and other techniques

Spatio-temporal analysis in Archeology: stratigraphy and serialization 
Spatio-temporal data processing. Temporary databases 
Chrono-Statistics. Internships with software.
Computer simulation of  space-temporal dynamics

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Teaching and debating theoretical and methodological aspects of the subject 36 1.44 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 19, 22
Practical work using computer equipment and specialized software 25 1 1, 2, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
Reading scientific and technical literature. Writing reports and essais 81 3.24 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 23 
This subject/module does not incorporate single assessment.

Guided activities: theoretical classes with an explanation of computer techniques and their theoretical and methodological foundations. Seminars of critical discussion of specialized textsSupervised activities: Presentation of computer equipment. Practices with these equipments. Individualized tutorials to monitor the activities and work entrusted. and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the final work of the course.Autonomous activities: search for documentation, elaboration of databases, exercises of application of the studied analysis techniques, reading of texts, writing of works.Problem-based learningCase-based learningClassroom practical work (Computer Lab)seminarsworkshopsdebatesWritten essaysPersonal study The guided activities can be face-to-face or online.Note: 15 minutes of a class will be reserved, within the calendar established by the center / degree, for the complementation by the students of the surveys of evaluation of the performance of the profesorado and of evaluation of the asignatura / module.
Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Individual Examination about subjects considered (Oral and/or written) 30% 4 0.16 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Written comments on bibliographic references 25 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22
Attending lectures and active participation in debates 10% 0 0 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19, 22
Complementary activities (General lectures. Practical work at Laboratory) 10% 4 0.16 2, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19, 23
Written reports and essais 25% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

This subject/module does not incorporate single assessment.

Individual test on the topics explained in class (30%). It can be a critical bibliographic study on the methodology of spatio-temporal analysis or practical application of one of the techniques explained with the students' own data.


Other reports and written work (individual or group) at the teachers' discretion (25% of the final grade).


Written summaries of the practical sessions, insisting on the positive and negative aspects of the techniques and methods explained (25% of the final grade).


Critical commentary of texts of the specialty, from the bibliography that will be provided at the beginning of the course (25% of the final grade).


Class participation (face-to-face or telematic), attendance to tutorials (face-to-face or telematic). 10% of the final grade.


Participation in conferences programmed by the coordination of the master's degree and other complementary activities (10%).


At the time of completion / delivery of each evaluable activity, the faculty will inform (Moodle, SIA) of the procedure and date of review of grades.


The student will receive the grade of Not evaluable as long as he/she has not taken the individual test on the topics explained in class and has not delivered more than 50% of the summaries of the practical sessions and text commentaries.


In case the student performs any irregularity that may lead to a significant variation of the grade of an evaluation act, this evaluation act will be graded with 0, regardless of the disciplinary process that may be instigated. In case of several irregularities in the evaluation acts of the same subject, the final grade of this subject will be 0.


In the event that the tests cannot be taken in person, the format will be adapted (maintaining the weighting) to the possibilities offered by the virtual tools of the UAB. Homework, activities and classparticipation will be done through forums, wikis and / or exercise discussions through Moodle, Teams, etc.The faculty will ensure that the student can access or offer alternative means, which are within their reach.


The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permitted as part of coursework, provided that the final result reflects a significant personal contribution by the student. Furthermore, the student must identify the generated sections, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection. A lack of transparency will result in a mark of 0.


Bibliography

BARCELÓ, J.A., MORELL, B., 2020, Métodos Cronométricos en Arqueología, Historia y Paleontología. Madrid. Editorial Dextra.

CARLSON, D. L. (2017). Quantitative methods in archaeology using R. Cambridge University Press.

CONNOLLY, J., LAKE, M., 2009, Sistemas de Información geográfica aplicados a la Arqueología. Ediciones

Bellaterra

CARRERO-PAZOS, M. (2023). Arqueología computacional del territorio. Métodos y técnicas para estudiar decisiones humanas en paisajes pretéritos. Archeopress. https://www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress/download/9781803276328

DE SMITH, M.J., GOODCHILD, M., LONGLEY, P., 2009, Geospatial Analysis. Winchelsea Press. (www.spatialanalysisonline.comDE VAUX, VELLEMAN, BOCK, Stats: Data and Models (3 edición). Pearson, Addison-Wesley (con ejercicios y programas para estudiantes: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Stats-Data-and-Models/0321692551.page

GASSIOT, E. (2023). Defying limits. Archaeology of social landscapes in high mountain areas of the Central Pyrenees. En J. A. Q. Castillo & J. N. Hernández (Eds.), People and Agrarian Landscapes. Approaches and methods for an Archaeology of Peasantry in the Western Mediterranean (Número Archaeopress, pp. 52-70). Archeopress Publishing. https://www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress/Products/9781803274379

GASSIOT, E., GARCIA, D. G., NUNES, J., & SALVADOR, G. (2020). Modelización de territorios ganaderos en la alta montaña al final del Neolítico: Una integración de análisis espacial e información etnográfica. Trabajos de Prehistoria, 77(1), https://doi.org/10.3989/tp.2020.12246

GILLINGS, M., HACIGÜZELLER, P., & LOCK, G. (Eds.). (2020). Archaeological spatial analysis: a methodological guide. Routledge.

GRAU, I. (ed.) (2006) La aplicación de los SIG en la arqueología del paisaje. San Vicente del Raspeig: Universidad de Alicante. 259 pp. (ISBN: 978-847908863X)

HAMMER,O., HARPER,D., 2005, Paleontological Data Analysis. Blackwell.

HERZOG, I. (2022). Issues in Replication and Stability of Least-cost Path Calculations. Studies in Digital Heritage, 5, 131-155. https://doi.org/10.14434/sdh.v5i2.33796

KAMERMANS, H., LEUSEN, M.J., VERHAGEN , P., 2009, Archaeological Prediction and Risk Management. Leiden University

MCCOY, Mark D. The Site Problem: A critical review of the site concept in archaeology in the Digital Age. Journal of Field Archaeology, 2020, 45.sup1: S18-S26.

OTÁROLA-CASTILLO, Erik; TORQUATO, Melissa G. Bayesian statistics in archaeology. Annual Review of Anthropology, 2018, 47: 435-453.

ZAMORA MERCHÁN, M. (2011). Cálculos de visibilidad en Arqueología. La visibilidad del territorio desglosada en ángulos verticales y su aplicación al período ibérico tardío en Andalucía central. In V. Mayoral Herrera & S. Celestino Pérez (Eds.), Tecnologías de información geográfica y análisis arqueológico del territorio: Actas del V Simposio Internacional de Arqueología de Mérida (pp. 309–323).

ZIMMERMAN, L., GREEN, 2007, W., The Archaeologist’s Toolkit. (7 vol.) Altamira Press.

Software

ArcGIS (ESRI): Free licence for UAB students

QGIS  (https://www.qgis.org/en/site/)  OpenSource. Free access.

OxCAL  (https://c14.arch.ox.ac.uk/oxcal.html). OpenSource. Free access.

ChronoModel  (https://chronomodel.com/). OpenSource. Free access.

PAST  (https://www.nhm.uio.no/english/research/infrastructure/past/). OpenSource. Free access.

R  (https://cran.r-project.org/)

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 Catalan/Spanish first semester morning-mixed