Please note: This course description is provisional and still subject to changes.
Admission requirements
None.
Description
This course critically engages with archaeology, heritage and museums in contemporary practice, and explores the ‘relationship’ between past and present communities and heritage issues.
Present-day archaeology and heritage studies is not just about doing scientific research, they are more than ever about professionals applying knowledge of the deep past while also engaging with community and public issues. Besides executing research, archaeologists today also work in protecting and preserving heritage, have a keen eye for the public and be able to make the public and communities part of their research. You must be able to explain the relevance and impact of heritage research in a social context and current societal issues.
In this course current issues in archaeology and heritage are used to confront students with the various scientific and societal frameworks relevant to present-day practice.
Key topics include site and heritage management, ‘democratisation of the past’, applying archaeology and heritage to community-focused research, the global Sustainable Development Goals, environmental issues, and social inclusion.
Subjects:
- Applying Archaeology: The democratisation of the past and who owns the past?
- Heritage and site management
- Heritage and Environment: How do climate and environmental change present threats to (archaeological) heritage sites. Can we use our archaeological knowledge to contribute to a climate-resilient future (see also: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/liveable-planet)
- Ethics: being an ethical and professional archaeologist/heritage specialist
- Community archaeology/heritage
- Archaeology and modern materiality
- The Past Matters! The last topic is about contributing to a range of societal issues and challenges voiced in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. How can archaeologists contribute to these issues based on our knowledge of the deep past? And must we?
Course objectives
Define the field of Applied Archaeology and Heritage Studies in a broad perspective;
Is capable of debating the latest archaeological and heritage studies developments;
Be aware of ethical issues of archaeological research and heritage studies (in present-day societies);
Gain insight in the possibilities and opportunities of public archaeology, awareness and involvement;
Gain insight in the societal context of (applied) archaeology (law, spatial planning, spatial integration of archaeological sites, (project) management, policy, conservation monitoring of sites) and being able to reflect on the long-term consequences;
Understanding and knowledge of theoretical and practical approaches to central issues in the field of critical heritage studies and community engagement and participation;
Ability to critically engage with global challenges that underpin heritage debate, identity, and cultural heritage;
Ability to present (oral and written) research results.
Additional course objectives (advanced course):
Ability to coordinate and lead groups;
Ability to encourage and conduct stimulating discussions as well as to give feedback to other students;
Ability to plan original research in or with communities that include innovative theoretical reflections and participatory methodologies.
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
Two meetings of 2 hours each per week (with two/three days in between). The first meeting each week is a lecture. The second meeting is a tutorial related to the assignment(s).
Assessment method
The grade is based on 6 group assignments (6×16,6% = 100%).
The assignments must be submitted through Turnitin;
A retake of an assignment is not possible;
A fail for an assignment can be compensated by other assignments.
The weekly assignments have strict deadlines (2 hours before the start of each tutorial) and are made in small groups. All assignments must be submitted. All assignments have to be submitted through Brightspace, and submitted by the deadlines. Late submissions result in deducted grades as follows: 1-24 hrs late, -1.0; 24-48 hrs late, -1.5; 48-72 hrs late, -2.0; 72-96 hrs late, -2.5 (all stated hours include weekends and holidays). Submissions more than 4 days late (including weekends and holidays) will not be accepted.
Attendance and active participation in every session is compulsory. If you are unable to attend a class due to personal circumstances, inform in advance your Study Advisor and course examiner. The examiners will determine if and how the missed session can be compensated by an additional assignment.
Reading list
To be announced on Brightspace, in the study manual.
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 foreign students can contact theexchange coördinator for more information about registration and enrolment.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact Dr. R. Jansen or Dr. I. Simpson.