Prospectus

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Research seminar Prehistory

Course
2010-2011

Compulsory attendance

Yes.

Prerequisites and restrictions

Admission to the RMA-programme.

Description

The seminar is organised around ongoing research of the staff members. The students participate in all aspects from the development of the research design to the collection of data and the preparation of a publication. In 2006 and 2007, for instance, Bell Beaker wrist guards were studied from an archaeological and ethnographic perspective.

Results were published in 2008 in a peer-reviewed (A) journal: Fokkens, H., Y. Achterkamp, M.H.G. Kuijpers (2008). Bracers or Bracelets? About the functionality and meaning of Bell Beaker wrist-guards. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 74, 225-257.

The aims are to gain insight in how high quality research is conducted, to gain experience in the implementation of research, and in the structuring of scientific texts.

Learning objectives

  • Detailed knowledge of the period, region, research problems, recent literature and current issues under consideration;

  • Knowledge of and insight in setting up, structuring and executing of scientific research projects;

  • Insight in how high-ranking research is conducted;

  • Critical assessment of current research with respect to applicability and background;

  • Voice one’s well-argumented opinion on these topics;

  • Design and conduct research;

  • Generation of new knowledge;

  • Insight in the applicability of theoretical models on data;

  • Presentation of research (orally);

  • Development of well argumented texts on research;

  • Critical review of one‘s own research and that of fellow students in a constructive manner;

  • Ability to work with deadlines.