Archaeology: scientific methods and practice II

larke1220  2022-2023  Louvain-la-Neuve

Archaeology: scientific methods and practice II
5.00 credits
30.0 h
Q1 and Q2
Teacher(s)
Cavalieri Marco; Liard Florence (compensates Cavalieri Marco);
Language
French
Prerequisites
LARKE 1140

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Main themes
The course is divided into three modules :
  • Module 1: methodological approach to study archaeological objects
  • Module 2: documentation techniques in archaeology (theory and practice)
  • Module 3: introduction to the professions in archaeology
The main objectives are:
  • Improve students' mastery of bibliographic reference systems (a process begun in LARKE 1140).
  • Improve students' methodological approaches to study archaeological objects by extending their range of working tools (a process begun in LARKE 1140).
  • Give students maximum contact with real works of art and objects.
  • Introduce students to the activities and achievements of the professional world of Archaeology and Art History.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 By the end of this course, students should be able to conduct individually a scientific examination of archaeological documents. They should be able to conduct a literature search based on archaeological objects or themes, by using specific tools (bibliographical databases in archaeology).
Through course sessions in contact with real works of art and objects, students should be able to present a written essay based on a general methodology for analysing archaeological objects (heuristics, description, iconographic and stylistic studies, and terminology). This essay should be illustrated with good pictures that are correctly labelled. 
 
Content
Continuity with LARKE1140: terminology, vocabulary, description and identification of objects, documentary typology, etc.

General methodology for analysing archaeological objects (heuristics, description, iconographic and stylistic studies, and terminology). Written essay and oral presentations of the results.

Specific methodologies centred primarily on the Auxiliary Sciences, including internal and external criticism, questions of chronology, context and typology of archaeological records. Emphasis is placed on independent thinking and critical observation.
Teaching methods
The course consists of an alternation of theoretical courses and supervised practical work sessions, excursions and visits (sites, labs and/or museums). Individual practical exercises.
These modalities could be transposed to distance learning due to exceptional conditions.
Evaluation methods
The evaluation will consist of a continuous assessment based on the average of the marks obtained in the following three steps:

a) continued assessment based on intermediate works over the two semesters and class participation (20%);
b) a first written research essay and its oral public presentation in December (40% respectively 10% for the oral presentation and 30% for the final written essay);
c) a second written research essay and its oral public presentation in May (40% respectively 10% for the oral presentation and 30% for the final written essay).
Attendance to classes and visits is mandatory and will be checked. The unjustified absence at one or more lessons, or failure to present the final essay or individual exercises, may lead to refuse the student’s registration at the final exam.

In case of failure at the first essay in January, the student presents the two essays in June. In case of success at the first essay in January, the student presents the second essay in June and his two grades will be weighted. Third session in August: two essays only.
Other information
Teaching staff : different professors with the help of an assistant assigned by the Department.
Online resources
Moodle: calendar, notes, course documentation, bibliography,...
Bibliography
Syllabus du cours LARKE1140.
Bibliographie qui varie en fonction des thèmes retenus pour les travaux scientifiques.
Faculty or entity
EHAC


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology : General