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Advanced Area Specialisation Course Europe: Europe first millenium

Vak
2025-2026

Admission requirements

Admission to the Research Master Archaeology programme.

Description

Organised around ongoing research by Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology, this course will focus on the archaeology and archaeological practice of north-west Europe during the Roman and Early Medieval periods, providing both an overview of the period(s) as well as advanced insight into the way(s) in which archaeology is practised.

The programme will consist of alternating (guest) lectures and more hands-on seminars in which the students’ own research will be the focus.

The (guest) lectures will provide an introduction to the periods, with thematic focus and alternating between the Roman and Early Medieval periods. During the seminars, students will be engaging with aspects of the archaeological material in a more practical, hands-on or student-led way. This will prepare students for the group work, leading to a group presentation in Block 2 and a final report / essay (team essay for MA-students, and individual essay for RMA-students). Self-study is an important aspect of the module: you will investigate prior research into the area under focus, and explore legislative / ethical aspects of how to conduct fieldwork or other archaeological research in NW Europe.

Attention will also be given to the history of the discipline and its links to the socio-political and econo-technical developments of NW Europe.

Course objectives

  • Understand the archaeology of north-west Europe in the first millennium CE and its historical roots;

  • Evaluate the archaeological working practices in this region, including a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies and aims of ongoing investigation projects;

  • Evaluate current debates concerning legislative and ethical aspects of archaeological work in NW Europe;

  • Produce original research in an academic manner, presented in written and oral form.

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/tutorials/practicals

  • Critical reading of relevant books and articles prior to class meetings

  • Course assignments

  • Class discussions

  • Individual and joint research

Assessment method

  • Weekly Assignment (20%)

  • Presentation (30%)

  • Final written individual assignment (50%)

Reading list

The reading list will be given to participating students prior to the start of the course.

Registration

Students are required to register themselves for all components of a course, including lectures, tutorials, practicals, exams, and resits through MyStudymap. 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.

Contact

For more information about this course, please contact dr. ir. M.J. (Mark) Driessen or dr. A.T. (Letty) ten Harkel.

Remarks

Attendance is compulsory.