Prospectus

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Advanced dating methods

Course
2014-2015

Compulsory attendance

Yes.

Admission requirements

Admission to the RMSc-programme Bioarchaeology.

Description

This course will focus on the following dating methods:

  • Radiometric dating: radiocarbon including advanced applications (statistical analysis, reservoir effects), proper assessment of the data obtained.

  • Luminescence dating: TL, OSL.

  • Geology: K/Ar, U-series isotopes, ESR relevant for archaeology.

  • Chemical methods: racemisation, stratigraphies (magnetic, tephra, ice, marine stages).

  • Dating Pleistocene sites.

Course set-up:
1) C14: natural radioactivity, dating principle, C14 timescale, isotope effects, calibration.
2) C14: statistics, wiggle matching, Bayesian analysis, applications in archaeology.
3) C14: reservoir-effects and stable isotopes, C14 for the archaeologist (“what’s in a date?”).
4) TL, OSL (guest lecture by J. Wallinga).
5) Isotope geology relevant for archaeology: dating U-series, K/Ar, ESR.
6) Chemical methods and biostratigraphy: racemisation, palynology, isotope stages (lecture by M. van Kolfschoten).
7) Dating Pleistocene sites (Boxgrove, Happisburgh, Schöningen, Dmanisi, etc.)

Course objectives

  • Advanced knowledge of dating based on scientific methods;

  • Ability to assess dating methods in archaeological research questions;

  • Ability to critically review the significance of the applied dating methods;

  • Ability to report such reviews in written essays.

Ects distribution

The course load will be distributed as follows:

  • 7×2 hours of lectures (1 ects);

  • Reading list (2 ects);

  • 4 short essays (2 ects).

Timetable

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

Mode of instruction

Lectures.

Assessment method

4 essays about different dating methods and relevant case studies.

Assessment deadline

All assessment deadlines (exams, retakes, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in the examination schedule.

Reading list

  • M. Walker, Quaternary Dating Methods;

  • Handouts.

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 prof. dr. ir. J. v.d. Plicht.