This course deals with two ecology-related aspects of archaeology, archaeobotanical reasearch and geoarchaeological research (with a focus on stratigraphy of settlement sites: Tell research). In both aspects an introduction is given, with some specific study topics being worked out, and some practical assignments to be done.
Admission requirements
Preferably Propedeuse Archaeology; some digging experience.
Learning objectives
*Has basic knowledge and understanding of the value of ecological aspects in Near Eastern archaeology, more specifically archaeobotany and geoarchaeology; *Is able to make a chronological analyses of a tell-stratigraphy in the form of a Harris matrix; *Has knowledge of the theory of aims and execution of tell-excavations, especially stratigraphic documentation and chronological analysis; *Has a basic theoretical ability to work accordingly in the field, and to critically assess a field report concerning contextual and stratigraphy-based chonological conclusions.
Method of instruction
Lectures, instructions, practices and assignments, including syllabus and ppt’s/blackboard.
Examination
The archaeobotany-part has a written exam; the geoarchaeological part uses the final quality of the three assignments, including a report-assessment.
Required reading
Geoarchaeology:
parts from Edward C. Harris, Principles of Archaeological stratigraphy, London: Academic Press 1979, and Arlene Miller Rosen, Cities of clay: the geoarchaeology of Tells, Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press 1986