Prospectus

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Archaeological Projects in the Mediterranean

Course
2018-2019

Year

Bachelor year 3.

Description

This course focuses on the theoretical, methodological, practical, technical and ethical aspects of archaeological research projects in the Mediterranean world. Through the unique combination of rich historical, epigraphical and archaeological sources, the Mediterranean area of the past occupies a special place in the history of archaeology.

Based on current fieldwork by both the Classical and Mediterranean archaeology department in Leiden and other national and international institutes, this lecture series studies in more detail the special circumstances and possibilities of the subject field and the resulting interdisciplinary challenges.

In the lectures, the research projects addressed are critically reviewed and questioned. Studied aspects involve theoretical issues, research methods and results, heritage management and the public dissemination of research results.

Set-up of the course:
A 1-hour lecture is followed by a 1-hour discussion, moderated by students.

Course objectives

The primary course objective is to develop insight into and critically reflect on the research architecture and methods in relation to specific, often historical issues in the Classical Mediterranean world.

In addition, by the end of the course the student will have gained:

  • An understanding of the current Leiden fieldwork projects in the Mediterranean world;

  • Insight into the relationship between question and methods, applied to the Mediterranean;

  • Insight into the implications of the choice of theoretical approaches and the resulting methods;

  • Ability to critically read and review an academic paper;

  • Ability to report such reviews in written format.

Timetable

Course schedule details can be found in the BA3 time schedule.

Mode of instruction

Lectures with discussion.

Course load

The course load will be distributed as follows:

  • 7x2 hours of lectures (1 ec);

  • 280 pages of literature (2 ec);

  • Short written assignments (0.5 ec);

  • Final essay (2,500 words +/- 10%) (1.5 ec).

Assessment method

  • Short written assignments (25%);

  • Leading a discussion (25%);

  • Final essay (50%);

  • Participation in discussion (0.5 bonus, used to round up final grade).

Prior to class, you should read the assigned literature and submit a 1-page critical reflection on the literature. This preparation also ensures that you are able to actively participate in class discussion.

You are required to lead a 1-hour discussion, and you can choose from the list of upcoming speakers. As an equal number of students will lead the discussion in every class, some students may be shifted into another class.

Compensation is allowed according to the OER (Onderwijs- en Examenreglement / Course and Examination Regulations).

There is no retake for the written assignments. There is only a retake for the final essay (with a new topic), only if the first attempt has been handed in.

If you fail the retake for the final essay, any passes for the short written assignments will no longer count (i.e. grades cannot be used the next year).

All exam dates (exams, re-sits, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in the BA3 examination schedule.

Reading list

The reading list will be made available on BlackBoard.

Registration

Registration via uSis is mandatory.

  • The Administration Office will register all BA1 students for their tutorials (not lectures; register via uSis!).

  • BA2, BA3, MA/MSc and RMA/RMSc students are required to register for all lectures and tutorials well in time.

  • The Administration Office registers all students for their exams, students are not required to do this in uSis.

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 dr. T.C.A. (Tymon) de Haas.

Remarks

Compulsory attendance.