Studiegids

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Seminar research strategies Field Archaeology

Vak
2010-2011

Compulsory attendance

-

Prerequisites and restrictions

BA degree (or equivalent) in archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.

Description

Seminar which teaches the student how to translate research problems into fieldwork strategies and in multi-disciplinary research. Based on the casus of a large scale excavation, project outlines are made in small teams (excavation company/consultancy). The outlines should take in account up-to-date knowledge of cultural processes and translate these into research questions that can be answered through excavation and post-excavation analysis. The teams try to calculate the financial consequences of their project outlines as well.

Learning outcomes

  • Ability to apply interpretative approaches to data within the field of Prehistoric Archaeology;

  • Ability to translate research problems into practical fieldwork and laboratory work;

  • Knowledge of field methods;

  • Learning how to bid for archaeological projects in market situations;

  • Knowledge of the Dutch Quality Norm (KNA 3.1);

  • Ability to assess critical factors in research (risk analysis);

  • Ability to formulate a properly argumented opinion on current issues;

  • Oral presentation skills;

  • Working in a team.

Mode of delivery

After formal lecture sessions students carry out group assignments. They entail the formulation of a research design for a large scale excavation involving several periods. They present their research briefs to the group (five sessions) and after feedback write a final brief. Guest lectures on project management are given by senior archaeologists/project leaders from ARCHOL or other companies.

Assessment

  • Oral presentations;

  • Written assignment (project outline).

Reading list

To be announced.

Time schedule

Course schedule details can be found in the MA time schedule.