Admission requirements
None.
Description
An archaeological research generally starts with a desk-based assessment of a research area (either a landscape or a site). Based on an expectation model and meaningful research questions, a prospective field research is carried out. Therefore, prospective research is a key element in most archaeological research all around the world.
Based on the results of prospective research, choices have to be made for either further research of sites, for sustainable preservation and conservation, or even for releasing sites.
In this course the methodological problems involved in the various prospective methods (and in predictive models) are discussed. You learn how to make a proper research outline for a prospective research.
The course also offers a focus on the societal aspect of prospective research, including why we have to make certain choices.
You will be taught which research questions are vital, and how they should be formulated to generate new knowledge through non-destructive research. Furthermore, we will discuss how to translate research problems into prospective fieldwork strategies and their application.
Based on actual and different case studies around the world, project outlines are made, assessed and discussed in small teams.
Course set-up
Each week, we will discuss one specific theme related to prospective research during 2 hours of lectures by experts from Leiden University and Saxion. After that you will work on a weekly assignment which will be discussed in a 2-hour seminar. Themes include:
Methodological framework: what is prospective archaeology?;
Reading the landscape: cartographic sources;
Prospecting: intrusive methods;
Prospecting: non-intrusive methods;
Prospecting: ‘drowned’ landscapes;
Prospecting: anthropogenic mounds;
Prospecting: island/desert/urban landscapes.
Course objectives
Ability to translate research problems into practical fieldwork;
Ability to place your own research within a theoretical framework, and ability to reflect upon this;
Ability to translate a predictive model for a specific region to policy and management recommendations;
Knowledge of predictive models and prospective field methods, ability to reflect on these and the choice for the best model/method for a given area and period, and ability to give recommendations for further research, policy and management;
Insight in archaeological formation and deformation processes;
Ability to critically reflect on the implications of these processes and to give recommendations for in-situ conservation, including site management and monitoring;
Insight in the societal aspects of archaeological research and the choices made;
Oral presentation skills;
Ability to work in a team.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button.
Mode of instruction
Meetings take place 2 x 2 hours per week (with at least 2 days in between). Each week, the first class consists of a formal lecture. In the second class a weekly assignment will be discussed (e.g. by presentation, paper, discussion, mentimeter etc).
Assessment method
6 weekly assignments (not graded);
Final essay (individual assignment; 100%).
All short weekly assignments must be completed. The final assignment (preferably in English, but Dutch is also allowed) will be distributed in the first week.
The essay consists of writing a research proposal for a prospective research. Translate your own research object and questions into a well-founded research strategy. Demonstrate that you are able to reflect on the choice of methodology, and frame the research within its context. A calculation of the financial consequences of project outlines is part of the assignment as well.
A retake is only possible for the final essay, in case of an essay grade below 5.5, provided that all other requirements have been met.
Assessment deadlines:
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
The weekly assignments have strict deadlines and are made in small groups. Deadlines for weekly assignments and the final assignment will be communicated during the first lecture and are listed in the course outline and in the weekly schedules (all on Brightspace).
Reading list
To be announced in the course outline (on Brightspace).
Registration
Enrolment for all components of your study programme through MyStudymap is mandatory. This applies to both compulsory elements and elective credits. If you are not enrolled, you may not participate.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact dr. M.S. (Maaike) de Waal.
Remarks
Compulsory attendance.