Description
This module provides a general overview of the key artefact categories frequently recovered during excavation. You will familiarise yourself with the nature and properties of different materials and will acquire an understanding of different production processes through which artefacts were made.
You will learn to recognise the different materials, identify the main artefact forms and describe key technological features.
Course objectives
Upon completion of the module students should be able to:
Recognise a range of archaeological material and artefacts including pottery, flint, stone, bone and antler;
Acquire knowledge of the properties of different materials;
Understand the main production processes of pottery, flint, stone, and various organic materials;
Describe artefacts made of these materials from a technological perspective.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in the BA1 time schedule.
Mode of instruction
Lectures;
Practicals;
In-the-house assignments;
Films and video clips.
Course load
The course load will be distributed as follows:
14x1 hours of lectures (1 ec);
14x2 hours of practicals (1 ec);
14 sessions with working assignments (2 hours) (1 ec);
250 pages of additional literature (2 ec).
Assessment method
Two theoretical exams (multiple choice) (60%);
Two practical exams (40%).
Assessment of both the theoretical and practical part after each block.
All exams need to be a pass (>5.5) and the final grade is the (weighed) average of the results of the two blocks.
For the retake, students are allowed to retake only the exam(s) they have failed. A retake of the practical is only allowed when students have met the attendance requirements.
All exam dates (exams, re-sits, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in the BA1 time schedule.
Reading list
Hodges, H. 1964 (with reprints). Artifacts. An introduction to early materials and technology. London. pp. 13-155;
Whittaker, J.C. 1994. Flint knapping. Making and Understanding Stone Tools. Austin: University of Texas Press, pp. 85-126;
Syllabus.
Registration
Registration for the course or the exam is not required.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to apply.
Registration ‘Contractonderwijs’
All information (costs, registration, entry requirements, etc.) for those who are interested in taking this course as a Contractstudent is on the Contractonderwijs Archeologie webpage (in Dutch).
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact mw. dr. J.A. Mol
Remarks
Compulsory attendance.