Prospectus

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Seminar prospective field archaeology

Course
2010-2011

Compulsory attendance

-

Prerequisites and restrictions

BA degree (or equivalent) in archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.

Description

The heritage management cycle generally starts with a desk based assessment of available data in a particular region and with subsequent valuation of the archaeological landscape that is hidden in the soil. In this seminar the methodological problems involved in prospection and in predictive models are discussed. Students learn how to make a proper research outline for prospective research and for field walking in particular. If possible the design is also applied in a practical situation, generally in the Maaskant region just south of the river Meuse.

Learning outcomes

  • Ability to apply interpretative approaches to data within the field of Prehistoric Archaeology;

  • Ability to translate site distribution data into a predictive model for that region;

  • Knowledge of predictive models and survey methods;

  • Knowledge of the Dutch Quality Norm (KNA 3.1.);

  • Ability to assess critical factors in research (risk analysis);

  • Oral presentation skills;

  • Working in a team.

Mode of delivery

After formal lectures on desk-based research, prospection methods and predictive models, students carry out their own desk-based research for a particular region and formulate a prediction model based on that research. That is translated into a project outline (PvE) which they subsequently have to bring into practice.

Assessment

  • Oral presentations;

  • Written assignments (desk-based research, project outline and survey evaluation).

Reading list

To be announced.

Time schedule

Course schedule details can be found in the MA time schedule.