Please note: This course description is provisional and still subject to changes.
Admission requirements
None
Description
The course will focus on practices of archaeological research in West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Through a series of lectures and assignments we will discuss the 8 steps of research (1: formulating research questions; 2: designing a research project; 3: obtaining funding and permits and building a team; 4: designing and executing fieldwork; 5: laboratory work; 6: data analysis and interpretations; 7: publication; and 8: curation of assemblages and datasets).
The central projects to engage with these research steps are those undertaken by the lecturers in various countries of West Asia (Azerbaijan; Cyprus; Oman), but there will also be guest lectures by colleagues working in other parts of West Asia (for example Eamena project, Jordan, Türkiye). The course will balance substantial reading against practical assignments in which you will work as a team on issues common to archaeological research in West Asia. Examples of practical research issues addressed in this course include the use of remote sensing data in archaeological (desk-based) research, which has become increasingly important in recent years, and work with project archives or archeological assemblages.
The focus is on the practices of research, such as data collection, selection of methodology, interpretation of the available archaeological record, and the preparation of publications. Attention will also be given to current debates around colonialism, identity and heritage threats in the archaeology of West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Course objectives
Knowledge of how research in the archaeology of West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean works and the historical roots of the discipline;
Insight into the aims and methodologies of modern archaeological research projects in West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean;
An appreciation of the complexities of working as non-local archaeologists in West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean;
Ability to critically participate in current debates concerning social and ethical aspects of archaeological work in the area;
Ability to develop a research proposal for archaeological research that includes scientific research aims and methods, and considers funding and permits;
Ability to do research as part of a team in an inclusive and productive manner and achieve meaningful results;
Ability to produce clear output in spoken and written form and deliver archives that can be used by future researchers.
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
Lectures;
Critical reading of relevant articles prior to class meetings;
Engagement with learning materials (satellite imagery, aerial photographs; legacy maps; project archives; artefact assemblages)
Group practical and research assignments;
Class discussions and presentations on the basis of these assignments;
Individual and joint research.
(Guest) lectures and seminars will be alternated throughout both blocks, ensuring that students will obtain knowledge about key issues in the practice of research in West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean both from publications and through practical engagements.
Preparation for each session will involve assignments based on set readings or engagement with learning materials.
Active participation is required through class discussions, based on set readings, and the practical assignments which are usually undertaken as part of a team.
Students are expected to work individually (set readings) and as part of a group (practical assignments).
During the course, students will produce two essays that draw on relevant elements of the course: (1) a research proposal for field research in West Asia and (2) a curation/publication plan for collections/legacy data from West Asia.
Assessment method
Essays on set readings during the class (20%);
Oral presentation (10%);
Group assignments (10%);
Two larger essays / research proposals (60%).
All written documents must be submitted through Turnitin in Brightspace.
A retake is only possible for the final report, only in case of a fail, and only when all other requirements, including attendance, 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.
Reading list
The reading list will be given to participating students prior to the start of the course.
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 Prof.dr. B.S. (Bleda) Düring or Dr. Dr. J.L. (Jennifer) Swerida.