Prospectus

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Deep History

Course
2019-2020

Year

Bachelor year 2.

Admission requirements

All BA1 World Archaeology courses obtained.

Description

In this course we will focus on 3 major transformations in the history of modern humans.
Firstly, the spread of Homo sapiens across the globe. Secondly, the development and the adoption of agriculture in different regions. Thirdly, the emergence of monuments and the creation of monumental landscapes.

After a general introduction, we will highlight these 3 developments with examples from across the world. In this course we will discuss conceptual frameworks and theories, and present a number of important datasets through a series of case studies.
The time frame of the course extends from ca. 100,000 BP until roughly 5,000 BP.

Set-up of the course

In the morning the topic is introduced by the lecturer of the day. Subsequently you study course materials/handbooks. During the lectures the assignments will be discussed.

Course objectives

  • Obtain knowledge of 3 major transformations in the archaeological record;

  • Gain insight into the spread of Homo sapiens across the world;

  • Gain insight into the development and spread of agriculture;

  • Gain insight into the emergence of monumentality;

  • Ability to critically analyse relevant archaeological theories on these 3 developments;

  • To enhance skills in academic writing and creating an annotated bibliography;

  • To enhance skills in peer to peer review and feedback.

Timetable

Course schedule details can be found in the BA2 time schedule.

Mode of instruction

  • Lectures;

  • Autonomous study;

  • Short assignments.

Course load

The course load will be distributed as follows:

  • 24 hours of seminar;

  • 500 pages of literature;

  • Short assignments.

Assessment method

  • 3 assignments (one in each week, to be handed in through BlackBoard) (20% each);

  • Final exam with essay questions (40%).

All parts of the course can be retaken. Grades cannot be compensated within the course (minimum of 5.0).

All exam dates (exams, retakes, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in the BA2 examination schedule.
Deadlines for assignments are included in the syllabus.

Reading list

Per meeting there will be 1 or 2 papers to read. The reading list will be distributed 2 weeks prior to the start of the class. Make sure you are registered for this BlackBoard module in time.

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.

Contact

For more information about this course, please contact dr. Q.P.J. (Quentin) Bourgeois.