Please note: This course description is provisional and still subject to changes.
Admission requirements
Obtained BA1 courses Natural Landscapes and Cultural Landscapes (formerly Landscape Dynamics 1 and 2)
Description
This course is part of the BA-learning line Landscape. The formation of natural phenomena is addressed in the course Natural Landscapes. In the course Cultural Landscapes humans are introduced focusing on the ever-changing human-landscape relation. Subsequently landscape forms an important topic in some BA2-seminars. The BA3-course Landscape Archaeology and Management is about researching and managing the (deep) past of present-day landscapes.
Our contemporary landscapes have a deep history indicated by visible and non-visible relicts of human activities. The understanding of past landscapes in archaeology is a challenge, both from a theoretical and a methodological perspective. What exactly does the term 'landscape' mean throughout history? How do we research and manage the (deep) past of present-day landscapes? And how do we show the value of researching and managing (pre)historical landscapes to the public?
The main goal of this course is to learn how to gain knowledge of landscapes through an archaeological research, by integrating theoretical exploration and practical implementation. Students design a research proposal for a (simplified) practical situation of a landscape archaeology project.
A series of formal theoretical and methodical lectures about various kinds of research projects of Northwestern Europe landscapes from different periods will introduce you to various methods and strategies to research a landscape. The course also provides an introduction to climatological, geological, earth-scientific and paleo-ecological research that is important in the reconstruction of past landscapes. Also practical issues are discussed, such as: what is a ‘site’? Why is this research meaningful? And can landscape archaeology contribute to present discussions about the management and planning of our contemporary landscapes in general?
Through this course you gain insight in landscape archaeology and learn how to write a research proposal. This includes everything from the layman’s abstract to a budget and, importantly, the relevance of your research and how to communicate your results to 'the public' that finances your research. You are also expected to present this research plan in a short an engaging presentation.
Course set-up:
Each (two) week(s) one part of a research proposal is addressed: (1) introduction, (2) goals and questions, (3) methodology and (4) societal embedding and budget). Each topic is introduced by one or two formal lecture(s);
During the weekly supervised tutorials you will work in small groups on your research proposal for your own landscape project. With your team you tackle tasks such as how to organise and structure your project, and how to design a step-by-step research plan;
At the end of the course research proposals are presented and discussed in class.
Course objectives
Knowledge of the main aspects and definitions in landscape archaeology and management;
Knowledge and applicability of the fundamental (theoretical) approaches within landscape research;
Knowledge of various natural science proxies in the reconstruction of past landscapes;
Learn to design a research proposal for a chosen research area (a landscape) including a fieldwork strategy based on one's own research goal and questions, and within a limited budget;
Ability to translate and communicate scientific results to ‘the public’;
Ability to convincingly pitch a research plan to;
Ability to formulate arguments orally and in writing;
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
Formal lectures;
Guided tutorials working on the research proposal;
Autonomous study.
Assessment method
The average of grades given to the different parts of the research proposal (75%);
Group presentation (25%)
The retake of the paper consists of rewriting the proposal for which a maximum grade of 6,0 will be given.
Weekly deadlines for assignments during the course. Pitches must be presented in the last week of the course
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 Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact Dr. R. Jansen.
Remarks
No remarks