Prospectus

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Archaeology of the Crusades

Course
2024-2025

Please note: This course was originally scheduled in block 1 but has been moved to block 4

Admission requirements

None.

Description

This course explores various aspects of the ‘crusading phenomenon’ in the Mediterranean and the Near East, ranging from the Norman conquest of Sicily and southern Italy (1000-1130 C.E.) to the fall of Akko in the Holy Land (1291 C.E.), as well as some later long-term developments.

The aim is to address how we can study the Crusades from an archaeological perspective, and what the archaeological data can tell us about the nature of these events, and their impact on society.
Some specific archaeological case studies will be discussed, among which events in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, the island of Cyprus and the Aegean region.

One meeting consists of a hands-on material practical during which you will get acquainted with Crusader ceramics from the Mediterranean and the Near East.

Students will be expected to read the relevant literature weekly and take an active part during the course, both in class presentations, discussions and in the writing of short summaries each week.

Course objectives

  • The main objective is to examine the political, religious, socio-economic and cultural changes associated with the Crusades that took place in the East between ca. 1000-1500 C.E.;

  • Obtain knowledge of key issues in the archaeology of the Crusades;

  • Learn to evaluate critically what archaeology can add to studies of the Crusades;

  • Learn to critically compare weaknesses and strengths of the presented literature.

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 course starts with an introduction by the lecturer. The successive meetings will include a short presentation by students on themes that will be explored during the seminar.
Students will be asked to read the mandatory literature prior to each meeting and submit weekly short summaries one day before class.

In the first part of the meeting, the (guest) lecturer will present further background to the theme of the class. Subsequently, students will give short presentations, followed by a general group discussion on the theme(s) presented.

Assessment method

  • Active participation in the class discussions, reading of assigned literature and submission of short summaries each week (10%);

  • Presentation (40%);

  • Final essay of 3,000 words (50%).

All essays must be submitted through Turnitin or Brightspace, and only on-time Turnitin/Brightspace submissions count.

A retake is only possible for the final essay and is only allowed if all other requirements have been met, and a serious and complete first final essay has been submitted.
A retake will consist of a single longer essay (4,000 words) on a topic of the course, to be chosen by the course coordinator, which needs to be written in 2 weeks.
There will be feedback on the presentations a week after the last class.

Assessment deadlines:
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.

Weekly summaries need to be handed in at the end of every lecture week via Turnitin/Brightspace.

Reading list

The reading list will be distributed via Brightspace, 2 weeks prior to the first meeting.

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. J.A.C. (Joanita) Vroom.

Remarks

Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended. Attendance and active participation influence grading.