Compulsory attendance
-
Prerequisites and restrictions
BA degree (or equivalent) in archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.
Description
This is an interactive course around several aspects of prehistoric farming communities, starting from the Early Neolithic to the Late Iron Age. Interactive means that half of each lecture session is dedicated to discussion, half to more formal lecturing. This way students gain knowledge of and insight in interpretative approaches to data from the Neolithic to the Iron Age (megalithic monuments, beaker cultures, hoarding practices, Hallstatt Fürstengräber, settlement and economy, burial landscapes and social structure). Students learn not to replicate interpretations of others without being aware of their theoretical background and inherent assumptions. They learn to formulate an argumented and informed opinion orally and in writing, and to discuss it. Each week students write a discussion paper about a literature assignment.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge of and insight in interpretative approaches to data from the Neolithic to the Iron Age;
Critical assessment of current research with respect to applicability and background;
Ability to voice one’s properly argumented opinion on these topics;
Knowledge of and insight in theoretical approaches;
Insight in the applicability of theoretical models on data;
Ability to formulate well-structured arguments orally, and in writing.
Mode of delivery
Formal lectures and discussion on the basis of written assignments.
Assessment
Active participation;
Written assignments.
Reading list
To be announced.
Time schedule
Course schedules can be found in the MA time schedule.