Please note: This course description is provisional and still subject to changes.
Admission requirements
None.
Description
This course explores not only various aspects of the ‘crusading phenomenon’ in the Mediterranean and the Islamic World, ranging from the Norman conquest of Sicily and southern Italy (1000-1130 C.E.) to the fall of Akko in the Holy Land (1291 C.E.) but also some later long-term developments.
The aim is to address how we can study the Crusades from an archaeological perspective, and what the archaeological data can tell us about the nature of these events, and their impact on society. Some specific archaeological case studies will be discussed, among which events in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, the island of Cyprus and the Aegean region.
The classes consist of hands-on material learning during which the students will get acquainted with Crusader-era ceramics from the Mediterranean and the Near East.
Students will be expected to read the relevant literature weekly and take an active part during the course, both in class presentations and discussions and in the submission of assignments each week.
Course objectives
The main objective is to examine the political, religious, socio-economic and cultural changes associated with the Crusades that took place in the East between ca. 1000-1500 C.E.;
Obtain knowledge of key issues in the archaeology of the Crusades;
Learn to evaluate critically what archaeology can add to studies of the Crusades;
Learn to critically compare weaknesses and strengths of the presented literature.
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
The course starts with an introduction by the lecturer. The successive meetings will include (group) presentations by students on themes that will be explored during the seminar.
Students will be asked to read the mandatory literature before each meeting and submit weekly assignments (including research questions and discussion points) two days before class.
In the first part of the meeting, the lecturer will present further background to the theme of the class. Subsequently, students will give (separate or group) presentations, followed by a general group discussion on the theme(s) presented.
Assessment method
Active participation in class discussions, reading of assigned literature, and submission of short assignments (including research questions and discussion points) each week (10%);
Quality of presentation (40%);
Quality of final essay of 3,000 words (50%).
All essays must be submitted through Brightspace, and only on-time Brightspace submissions count.
A retake is only possible for the final essay and is only allowed if all other requirements have been met and a serious and complete first final essay has been submitted.
A retake will consist of a single longer essay (4,000 words) on a topic of the course, to be chosen by the course coordinator, which needs to be written in two weeks.
Weekly assignments (with research questions and discussion points) need to be handed in at the end of every lecture week via Brightspace.
There will be feedback on the presentations a week after the last class.
Assessment deadlines:
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
Weekly summaries need to be handed in at the end of every lecture week via Turnitin/Brightspace.
Reading list
The reading list will be distributed via Brightspace, one or two weeks prior to the first meeting.
Registration
Enrolment for all components of your study programme through MyStudymap is mandatory. 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.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact prof. dr. J.A.C. (Joanita) Vroom.
Remarks
Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended. Attendance and active participation influence grading.