Cite this as: Aagaard, J.R., Hjulmand Larsen, C., Bødstrup Christoffersen, J.E., Munch Thomsen, J., Birk, K., Kaas, M.H., Fur, R., Termansen, S.S. and Dobat, A.S. 2025 Metal detecting in university education: Empowering future archaeologists through training, Internet Archaeology 68. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.68.1
This article presents and explores the reflections of students enrolled in the master's course 'Small finds — grand stories. The use of metal detector finds in research and dissemination', which took place in the spring term of 2023 at Aarhus University, Denmark. Metal detector archaeology has emerged as a vital field, with many practitioners demonstrating advanced expertise in the identification, documentation, and management of finds, skills that align closely with the rigorous methodologies expected by professional archaeologists and museum institutions. This article proposes that archaeologists should embrace a cooperative approach between archaeologists and the metal detecting community — a relationship that is pivotal not only for the preservation of a good relationship with the detecting community but also in the fields of cultural heritage and the advancement of research. The primary objective is to propose an innovative model for integrating metal detector archaeology into educational contexts through university curricula.
Corresponding author: Julie Reinhold Aagaard
jreinholdaagaard@gmail.com
Aarhus University
Caroline Hjulmand Larsen
Aarhus University
Jens Emil Bødstrup Christoffersen
Aarhus University
Julie Munch Thomsen
Aarhus University
Katrine Birk
Aarhus University
Mathias H. Kaas
Aarhus University
Rikke Fur
Aarhus University
Signe S. Termansen
Aarhus University
Andres S. Dobat
Aarhus University
Figure 1: The lesson plan for Thematic Seminar 2023: Small finds — grand stories. The use of metal detector finds in research and dissemination. Developed and taught by Andres S. Dobat (AD)
Figure 2: The different classes, with key points taught on the course 'Thematic Seminar 2023: Small finds — grand stories. The use of metal detector finds in research and dissemination', compliled by student Julie Reinhold Aagaard. [PDF]
Figure 3: Picture showing the students' presentation during the conference, 'Social and cultural aspects of metal detecting. Giving the presentation were students Mathias H. Kaas, Julie Munch Thomsen and Julie Reinhold Aagaard. Picture taken by student Katrine Birk Laursen.
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