Compulsory attendance
Yes.
Admission requirements
Materiaalkunde 1 obtained, or possessing a similar level of knowledge about material culture.
Description
This lecture series will focus on the importance of experimental archaeology in archaeological discourse. Experiments play an ever more crucial role in archaeological methods of analysis addressing questions like: how was an object made, what was the investment of skills and knowledge, what are the physical properties of the material, can we say anything about its former use?
There will also be considerable emphasis on the experimental approach of pottery technology and lithic studies. Lastly, attention will be given to the importance of experimental archaeology in scientific research and the ever growing role of experimental archaeology in public presentations such as museums and open air centres.
Course objectives
Deepening the knowledge about how objects are made and used by means of experimental archaeology, specifically related to pottery production and lithic technology;
Knowledge of and insight in the experimental and analytical methods with which to derive information from artefacts, as pertaining to ceramics and lithic materials;
Obtaining basic knowledge of the role of experimental archaeology in scientific research and public outreach.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in the bachelor 2 time schedule.
Mode of instruction
Lectures;
Practical assignments;
Excursion to Archeon.
Assessment method
Written examination (50%);
Essay linked to the Archeon excursion (50%).
Assessment deadline
All assessment deadlines (exams, retakes, paper deadlines etc.) can be found in the examination schedule.
Reading list
A.K. Outram, “Introduction to Experimental Archaeology” (2008), in: World Archaeology 40/1, 1-6
Recently published articles (to be specified).
Registration
Register for this course via uSis.
Instructions for registration can be found in the uSis manual.
Contact information
For more information about this course, please contact mw. prof. dr. A.L. van Gijn.