Archaeology: scientific methods and practice I

Teacher(s)

Driessen Jan (compensates Verslype Laurent); Verslype Laurent;

Language

French

Main themes

The methodology of the study of an archaeological artefact or artwork (documentation, contextualization) ; description ; introduction to graphic documentation (photography, drawing). Learning and using the specialised vocabulary adequately in the fields of archeology and art history.

Introduction to heuristic and bibliographic standards. Reading and writing a scientific essay on an archaeological topic.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Ability in using the adequate vocabulary in archeology and art history, in accomplishing a methodical research on an archaeological topic, in compiling a pertinent bibliography reported following the common standards. Ability in writing a descriptive, analytical and contextualized essay on an archaeological site or object, including typology, iconology and esthetic. Ability to illustrate a scientific report.

Content

How to use adequately the vocabulary in the archaeology and history of art ?
Where to find the useful sources and bibliography ?
How to set up a bibliographical list and how to refere to it ?
How to describe and analyze an archaeological artefact or an artwork (description, documentation, state of the art, compared study).
Writing, illustrating and presenting an resarch essay.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Alternate theoretical courses and supervised practical work sessions, two excursions and visits (sites, labs and/or museums).  Individual practical exercises.

Material : syllabus, personal notes, power point files and handouts.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Evaluation steps :
a) continued assessment (5 intermediate works over the two semesters) ;
b) final written research essay and its oral public presentation in May ;
c) two written exams : one at the end of each term, on the practical work sessions and the courses delivered.

Each of those represents :
a) 30%
b) 35% (10% and 25% respectively for the oral presentation and the final written essay)
c) 35% (20%, intermediate examination in January and 15%, final exam in June).

The student who has not presented its final essay, either oral or written, may be refused at the final exam.
In case of failure at the intermediate exam in January (15%), the student presents a full exam (35 %) in June. Third session in August : full exams only.
If the global grade of the final essay is lower than 50%, a new written version must be submitted in August (35%). If the global grade of the continued assessment is lower than 50%, a single alternative work will be required in August (30%). If the student failed in both the continued assessment and the final essay, the alternative work will represent up to 65% of the grade.

Online resources

Moodle: calendar, notes, syllabus handouts ...

Bibliography

Syllabus « Introduction à la pratique scientifique en archéologie, histoire de l'art et musicologie »

Faculty or entity

ARKE