This course focuses on the concepts of mobility and exchange, taking its lead from the department’s NWO-funded projects in the Caribbean region. The central domain of study is the interaction networks evinced by the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the insular Caribbean. Topics related to the material, social and ideological dimensions of these networks will be broached using archaeological, anthropological and archaeometrical theories and methodologies. Students are expected to focus on their own area of research for presentation and paper.
Admission requirements
BA degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.
Learning objectives
Knowledge of current research and debates of the interaction networks of the insular Caribbean;
Exercise research skills for in-depth interpretation of archaeological data in terms of economic and other interactions between Native American peoples;
Is able to critically assess current research and literature and voice one’s well-argumented opinion;
Is able to choose a research topic, find relevant literature and present this via a powerpoint presentation and is able to handle a stimulating discussion afterwards;
Is able to write a paper on his/her research topic, with expression of a critically assessment of the literature and one’s own well-argumented opinion, making use of the feedback received with the presentation.
Method of instruction
Seminar: presentations by members of the Caribbean Research Group and students will be enriched by discussion of current issues drawn from recent literature. The multi-focal and multi-vocal course design will result in a more comprehensive overview of the layered concept of mobility and exchange.
Examination
Course participation will be evaluated on the basis of quality of presentation, discussion points, final paper and participation during class.
Required reading
Literature will be indicated and assigned during class.