Admission requirements
None.
Description
The Field Techniques course is an introduction into the methods and techniques employed in archaeological field research. It consists of a lecture series and field recording practical.
The lecture series starts with an introduction on how the archaeological record is formed and how field archaeology is about documenting context. Starting on the level of individual artefacts, the lecture series will lead you along the different steps in the archaeological process and the various field research methodologies one can pick from the so-called “Field Techniques Toolbox”. By doing so, a broad range of remote sensing techniques, prospective methods and excavation methods will be dealt with. The lecture series will finally conclude at the level of documenting and studying entire archaeological landscapes from a landscape archaeology perspective.
Parallel to the lecture series, the most important field recording techniques are practiced in a weekly practical taking place in and around the faculty building.
At the end of year one, the perspectives, strategies and skills learned in the Field Techniques course will finally be put to practice in a real archaeological environment in the Field School in block 4.
Course objectives
Knowledge of how the archaeological record is formed, and how it is affected by taphonomy;
Knowledge of the different types of archaeological data;
Knowledge of the way in which these archaeological data are collected and how they can be analysed;
Knowledge of the various field techniques and how they are applied in archaeology;
Ability to select and apply the applicable field recording techniques;
Ability to work in a team.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button.
Mode of instruction
The Field Techniques course consists of a series of lectures and a weekly practical on archaeological recording techniques. The series of lectures forms the theoretical basis of the course and is completed with a written exam (forming 100% of the final grade). Lectures will be taught in both English and Dutch. During the weekly practical (7 x 4 hours) you will practise various field recording techniques.
For the practicals there is a mandatory presence. It is allowed to miss one day of practical due to sickness or personal circumstances.
Assessment method
Written exam (100%);
Compulsory attendance for the practical.
For the practicals a pass is required (DLN). A retake for the practical is not possible.
Assessment deadlines
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
Reading list
Renfrew, C & Bahn, P. 2020. Archaeology, Methods, Theory and Practice. 8th Edition ISBN 978-0500294246;
Several articles, to be announced during the course.
Registration
The Administration Office will register all Archaeology BA1 students for their lectures, tutorials and exams in semester 1 and semester 2.
If you are not a BA1 student but have to take this course, you can register yourself via this form.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
All information for those who are interested in taking this course as a Contractstudent is on the Contractonderwijs Archeologie webpage (in Dutch).
Retake exams
BA1 students who want to do a retake have to register themselves through MyStudymap.
All other students, please contact the administration office for enrollment for the retake.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact Dr. A.J (Arjan) Louwen.
For questions about the practicals please contact Ing. E.G.C. (Eric) Dullaart.
Remarks
Part of the practicals will take place outdoors. Watertight shoes and rain clothing are recommended.