Admission requirements
This course is only available to Honours students
Maximum number of students: 30
Course description
The course uses the most up-to-date archaeological research of the early Silk Roads networks across the Eurasian continent (200 BCE-600 CE) in order to rethink and discuss the connectedness of our present globalising world. In every lecture an equal amount of time will be dedicated to the archaeological material and to current issues of global networks and governance, with ample time reserved for on-topic discussions in class.
The lectures offer an overview of the most important historical and archaeological contexts of the Silk Roads, ranging from ancient Egypt to Han Dynasty China. In-depth case study are discussed of specific sites, such as Berenike (Egypt), Petra (Jordan), Arikamedu (India), the Karakorum mountains (Pakistan), and the Tarim Basin (Xinjiang, China).
Subsequently, based on these case studies, the class discussions will tie in to the archaeological facts to incite debate about present global connections. Herein, three main focus points are central:
The issue of traditional centre-periphery/West-East dichotomies
Objects as globetrotters vs. human migrations (in past and present)
Cultural heritage challenges for both archaeology and politics
By means of 4 written assignments, students will develop archaeological analytical skills for individual objects, and are encouraged to interpret archaeological data in a much wider socio-political context. Feedback on all assignments will be provided during this process.
Throughout the course, students are challenged to think outside the box and consider the lasting connections between past and present. Moreover, they are encouraged to develop their academic skills through debate, empirical analysis, and essay writing.
Course objectives
To gain knowledge about archaeological data from the earliest trade networks of the Silk Roads;
To connect past and present by using informed historical knowledge to interpret and better understand current world connections;
To enhance student’s skills in academic discussion and essay writing;
To practise the critical analysis of individual case studies of sites and objects.
Programme and timetable
On the right side of the programme front page of the E-guide you will find links to the website and timetables, uSis and Blackboard.
Location
Wijnhaven
Reading list
Other possible literature will be announced in class or via Blackboard.
Course load and teaching method
This course is worth 5 ECTS, which means the total course load equals 140 hours.
Lectures with active participation and discussion;
Feedback on each assignment (in Turnitin).
Assessment methods
Average grade of 4 assignments (50%);
Final essay of 2,500 words (50%).
Both the average grade of 4 assignments and the final essay should have a sufficient grade in order to pass.
Blackboard and uSis
Blackboard will be used in this course. Registration will be done centrally.
Registration through uSis will be done centrally.
Registration process
TGC coordinator/administration will take care of enrollment.
Please note: students are not required to register through uSis for this class. Your registration will be done centrally after successful completion of the Class.
Remarks
Tags: global networks, archaeology combined with actuality, insights for global policymaking
Skills: interpret and understand current world connections, discussion, essay writing, critical analyses of individual case studies of sites and objects, archaeology and actuality
Which disciplines are covered: archaeology, public administration, international relations, history, policymaking
Contact
Teacher: m.e.j.j.van.aerde@arch.leidenuniv.nl
Coordinator: a.j.e.righolt@fgga.leidenuniv.nl