Compulsory attendance
Yes.
Admission requirements
Admission to the MA-programme Material Culture and Artefact Studies.
Description
Objects are intimately connected with the social and ideational aspects of society. They are not only reflective of the identity of their makers, but they also, through their role in daily life, structure and reinforce existing social relationships. Focus will be the reconstruction of the cultural biography of the material world. After some introductory lectures, recent literature on a current theme will be read and discussed in class. This year, students will have to present a case study of their choice, showing the materiality of the past.
Course objectives
Insight into the various questions that can be asked regarding the meaning of material culture for past societies;
Knowledge of the various theoretical concepts that are important in material culture studies and ability to discuss them in a critical manner;
Ability to apply these concepts to a case study of the student’s choice and presenting this in class.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in the MA time schedule.
Mode of instruction
Lectures;
Seminar.
Assessment method
Presentation (50 %), to be held in block II.
Paper (50%), due on January 15, 2012.
Reading list
Recently published articles (to be announced).
Registration
Register for this course via uSis.
Instructions for registration can be found in the uSis manual.
Contact information
For more information about this course, please contact mw prof. dr A.L. van Gijn.