Admission requirements
None.
Description
The chaîne opératoire method is a qualitative approach for reconstructing technological networks, particularly those involving socially interconnected object-makers (Roux, 20xx). Developed in France in the 1980s to describe stone tools, it have since been used to describe the manufacture of a variety of objects in both Pleistocene and Holocene prehistoric archaeology.
Chaîne opératoire is fundamentally based on categorization and remains a qualitative approach, despite attempts to move it into a more quantitative framework. However, with advancements in DNA analysis enabling the quantification of biological proximity, the need to quantify chaînes opératoires and their variations across space and time becomes even more pressing. Successfully quantifying chaînes opératoires would allow for the comparison of cultural similarity with biological and geographical proximity on a continuous scale.
The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore the potential of shifting chaîne opératoire analysis toward the quantification of manufacturing processes on a continuous scale. The first part of the course will focus on analysing chaîne opératoire studies to understand the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. The second part will introduce quantitative tools that could be adapted to measure manufacturing processes. Student are expected to actively reflect on the steps to be taken to work toward a more quantified chaîne opératoire approach.
Course set-up
Analysing and discussing scientific articles will be at the core of the course. Each class is a forum for the students to practice clear and concise argumentation and to develop a critical attitude when reading scientific papers.
The first class will introduce the course and the instructors. Each of the following 6 classes will be dedicated to a topic chosen in advance by the instructors.
Students formulate discussion points based on the literature provided by the instructors before class. The first part of the class is dedicated to oral presentations by students; the second part of each class is dedicated to collectively discussing the papers with the discussion led by RMA/RMSc students.
A final assignment allows students to reflect on the topics discussed in the entire course.
Course objectives
Knowledge of chaîne operatoire analysis including its history and its current applications with a focus on applications in Prehistory;
Reflection on tailoring available quantitative tools to address new research questions
Prospective on the necessary steps to be taken to quantify processes in prehistoric archaeology
Skills. This course will help students to improve their ability to:
Analyse the current status of knowledge;
Generate potential solutions with convincing argumentation;
Present an argument in a clear and concise way;
Practice independent learning.
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
For each class session:
1. An introductory lecture by the instructor and expert guests will set the stage in the previous week and inspire exploration into specific aspects.
2. Students will read suggested specialized literature at home, as well as sources they find independently, and prepare and present oral or video presentations, which will be presented and discussed in class and receive feedback.
3. Student presentations in class will be followed by a collective discussion that will critically examine available methodologies and explore their adaptation for innovative purposes.
- RMA and RMSc students will lead these discussions alongside the instructor.
Assessment method
Pre-class discussion points (10%);
Participation in class (30%);
Oral presentation (30%);
Final essay (30%).
Only the written assignment can be retaken.
Assessment deadlines:
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
Written discussion points are to be handed in every Thursday evening.
There will be 1 oral presentation in class.
The deadline for the final essay is 3 weeks after the last class.
Reading list
Roux, V. (2020). Chaîne opératoire, technological networks and sociological interpretations. Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueología de la Universidad de Granada. https://shs.hal.science/halshs-03091018/document
Soressi, M., & Geneste, J. M. (2011). Reduction Sequence, Chaîne Opératoire, and Other Methods: The Epistemologies of Different Approaches to Lithic Analysis. The History and Efficacy of the Chaîne Opératoire Approach to Lithic Analysis: Studying Techniques to Reveal Past Societies in an Evolutionary Perspective. PaleoAnthropology, 2011, 334-350. https://paleoanthropology.org/ojs/index.php/paleo/article/view/643
Registration
Enrolment for all components of your study programme through MyStudymap is mandatory. This applies to both compulsory elements and elective credits. If you are not enrolled, you may not participate.
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.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact prof. dr. M.A. (Marie) Soressi.
Remarks
Attendance will be recorded. Students can miss no more than 1 class.