Coordinator for Caribbean & Amazonia is Dr. A. Boomert
Coordinator for Mesoamerica is Dr. G. Hern?ez S?hez
Coordinator for the Andean region is Prof. Dr. W.F.H. Adelaar.
Students with other regional interests should contact the department coordinator Prof. Dr. M.E.R.G.N. Jansen. NB:
Dr. Boomert and Dr. Hern?ez S?hez provide individual coaching after the introductory seminar ‘Ancient America, an overview’.
The thesis is an academic report on research of a specific topic within the field of Native American archaeology and culture history. The thesis research is a combination of critical evaluation of the existing literature with original investigation of archaeological materials, historical documents and / or ethnographic descriptions. 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. The thesis has at least two readers / supervisors (relevant regional specialists at Leiden University or abroad). Immediately in the beginning of the M.A. phase students consult with the coordinating staff member for their region of interest (Dr. A. Boomert) for the Caribbean and Amazonian region; Dr. G. Hern?ez S?hez for Mesoamerica; Prof. Dr. W.F.H. Adelaar for the Andes) together with whom the thesis topic is defined and the supervision structure is determined. In case of doubt, consult the department coordinator (Prof. Dr. M.E.R.G.N. Jansen). Focus.of the tutorial is providing guidance in the planning and elaboration of the MA thesis (including a. discussion of the main research questions and of the thesis structure). Students are expected to take initiative in reporting regularly to their coordinator and/or other supervisor(s) about their progress and about problems they encounter.
See also the general information about the thesis and its evaluation on the Faculty’s website.
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 break (December-February for those who start in September; June-August for those who start in February). Especially during the second part of the 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.
Ingangseisen
BA-diploma. Good preparation of the research is indispensable (knowledge of the culture and the methods to be applied, the local situation, the necessary languages etc.).
Leerdoelen
Demonstration of professional capacity in research on a topic of Native American archaeology and/or culture history.
Onderwijsvorm
Research and writing. Orientation, guidance, preparation and feedback is provided primarily during thesis tutorials and in individual consultations with the supervisors. Students have to attend the relevant thesis tutorial until they have completed their thesis.
Toetsing
M.A. thesis (for rules and criteria see the faculty webpage). Definitive discussion and evaluation takes place during the formal thesis defence.
Literatuur
Publications selected by the students themselves (library and internet search).