1st & 2nd semester during both years of study. It is crucial to define the thesis topic and start the research in the first month of study. The opportunity for field research is limited to the semester breaks (December-February June-August). Especially during the second year, time should be reserved for further research and writing. Students are obliged to report regularly (at least once a month) about their progress to the supervisors and to attend the relevant thesis tutorial until the work is finished completely. The final draft should be presented six weeks before the expected date of the formal thesis defence.
The precise character of the research and thesis is individually determined in the context of the research program of the track, which centres around several large and long-term NWO-financed projects in the Caribbean and Mesoamerica. In both areas the research is interdisciplinary, combining the study of archaeological data (including different forms of scientific analysis) with historical and/or anthropological approaches, while also the study of a specific Amerindian language may be important. Nucleus of the Caribbean research is the faculty’s program of archaeological surveys and excavations in that area (e.g. Saba, St. Lucia, Dominican Republic), in which students may participate as field supervisors and/or carry out analysis of archaeological materials. Mesoamerican studies focus on the interpretation of visual art and writing systems (including their original context in sites and landscapes), in combination with the analysis of early colonial historical documents, as well as with ethnographic fieldwork to document present-day oral traditions.
The thesis (to be completed in the second year) is a professional report on the student’s contribution to an overall research project. Generally the report is a written thesis, but other forms are possible as well, if proper preparatory courses have been followed, e.g. a documentary film, a computer program or CD-Rom, etc.
Leerdoelen
Demonstration of professional capacity in advanced research on a topic of Native American archaeology and culture history, being an original contribution to the field and an adequate foundation for possible future PhD research.
Onderwijsvorm
Research and writing. The whole process, from selecting the topic and research questions, the study of data sets and fieldwork, till the final draft are discussed with the supervisors during the thesis tutorial, which all students have to attend until they have completed their thesis. The supervisors provide further orientation, guidance, and feedback in individual or collective consultations.
Toetsing
MPhil / RMA thesis (for rules and criteria see the faculty webpage). Definitive discussion and evaluation takes place during the formal thesis defence.