Prospectus

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Exploratory Data Analysis in Archaeology

Course
2023-2024

Admission requirements

None.

Description

In this course you will be introduced to the principles of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of archaeological data. The basics of statistics will be taught in a pragmatic and visual way, which should give you the skills to perform a proper data evaluation and analysis in, for instance, your BA thesis.

Awareness about the limitations of archaeological data and ways to find recurring patterns through a visual and spatial analysis will be taught.
Theoretical, statistical and mathematical background knowledge is not required and will be provided during this course gently. This course serves as a stepping stone to the reading, understanding and handling of more advanced statistical techniques applied in archaeology.

Course set-up

A one to two-hour (online) lecture, literature study and a 4-hour practical session (almost) every day of the week. This is a two-week intensive block course with an examination at the end.

Course objectives

  • Basic knowledge of graphical, statistical and spatial techniques applicable to archaeological data;

  • Understanding statistical topics in archaeological literature;

  • Ability to apply exploratory data analysis in one’s own (thesis) research;

  • Insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques for the analysis of archaeological data;

  • Insight into the value of a statistical technique for archaeological conclusions.

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 with practical exercises;

  • Practicals (Access, Excel and Jamovi).

Assessment method

  • Open book examination (100%).

Examination grades will only apply if all the mandatory practicals have been attended.

Assessment deadlines

All assessment deadlines (exams, retakes, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button. To view the assessment deadline(s), make sure to select the course with a code ending in T and/or R.

Reading list

  • Fletcher, M. & G.R. Lock, 2005. Digging Numbers, Elementary Statistics for Archaeologists, Oxford University Committee for Archaeology, Oxford.

Registration

The Administration Office will register all Archaeology BA1 students in uSis for their lectures, tutorials and exams in semester 1 and semester 2.

However for exams, confirmation through MyStudymap is mandatory.
No confirmation = no participation!

If you are not a BA1 student, but want to take this course, please contact the Administration Office.

General information about registration can be found on the Course and Exam Enrolment page.

Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to apply.

All information (costs, registration, entry requirements, etc.) for those who are interested in taking this course as a Contractstudent is on the Contractonderwijs Archeologie webpage (in Dutch).

Contact

For more information about this course, please contact drs. M. (Milco) Wansleeben.

Remarks

Compulsory attendance during the practicals.