Admission requirements
None. We advise that you have some knowledge of Roman and early medieval history and/or archaeology.
Description
Organised around ongoing research by Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology, this course will focus on the archaeology and archaeological practice of north-west Europe during the Roman and Early Medieval periods, providing both an overview of the period(s) as well as advanced insight into the way(s) in which archaeology is practised.
The programme will consist of alternating (guest) lectures and more hands-on seminars in which the students’ own research will be the focus.
The (guest) lectures will provide an introduction to the periods, with thematic focus and alternating between the Roman and Early Medieval periods. During the seminars, students will be engaging with aspects of the archaeological material in a more practical, hands-on or student-led way. This will prepare students for the group work, leading to a group presentation in Block 2 and a final report / essay (team essay for MA-students, and individual essay for RMA-students). Self-study is an important aspect of the module: you will investigate prior research into the area under focus, and you may explore legislative / ethical aspects of how to conduct fieldwork or other archaeological research in NW Europe.
Attention will also be given to the history of the discipline and its links to the socio-political and econo-technical developments of NW Europe.
Course objectives
Understand the archaeology of north-west Europe in the first millennium CE and its historical roots;
Evaluate the archaeological working practices in this region; including a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies and aims of ongoing investigation projects;
Evaluate current debates concerning legislative and ethical aspects of archaeological work in NW Europe;
Produce original research in an academic manner; presented in written and oral form.
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/tutorials/practicals
Critical reading of relevant books and articles prior to class meetings
Course assignments
Class discussions
Individual and joint research
Assessment method
Weekly take home assignment with reflection (20%)
Oral presentation (15%)
Active participation/cooperation in class/group (15%)
Final written assignment (50%)
Please note, the oral presentation and final written assignment are individual assignments for RMA students, and group assignments for MA/MSc students.
ALL elements must be passed with at least 6.0 to complete this course. The active participation / cooperation element dictates compulsory attendance: a maximum of 1 class per block can be missed (with prior notification).
Detailed feedback will be provided at the end of block 2, but students are always welcome to ask the course examiners for intermediate feedback. Detailed written feedback will be provided on the final written assignments, which students are welcome to discuss with the course examiners at their request.
It is only possible to retake (part of) the weekly assignments, and the final essay. In case of the weekly assignments, students will be asked to discuss the set papers with the course examiners to assess understanding of the material. In case of the essay, students will be asked to rewrite the assignment to a higher standard.
Reading list
The reading list will be given to participating students prior to the start of the course.
Registration
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact dr. ir. M.J. (Mark) Driessen or dr. A.T. (Letty) ten Harkel.
Remarks
Attendance is compulsory. ALL elements must be passed with at least 6.0 to complete this course.