Greek Archaeology

Teacher(s)

Vanden Broeck-Parant Jean;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Prerequisites

/

Main themes

The course discusses problematic issues and specific problems of interpretation in relation with the use of archaeological sources for the reconstruction of social and political relations of the Iron Age Greek world (continental Greece, islands, Asia Minor, Magna Graecia) and the input art has on this reconstruction.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Advanced course for archaeologists specialising in Greek Mediterranean archaeology. The aim is to develop a critical sense and analytical methods of material culture. Application of theoretical and anthropological concepts in archaeological interpretation.

Content

The course will address various issues in Greek archaeology, from the Iron Age to the Hellenistic period, focusing on how material culture can shed light on social relations and institutions during these periods. A series of important questions relevant to these periods (the emergence and development of the polis and regional and panhellenic sanctuaries, migrations, trade, funerary practices, etc.) will be studied in light of recent approaches and methodologies. Particularly, the course will focus on  exploring scientific debates and arguments relating to the interpretation of archaeological remains, including their relationship with textual sources. A critical approach to these issues will be encouraged throughout the sessions.

Teaching methods

The course will unfold in two ways: 1) lectures with visual support in the form of PowerPoints, which will be uploaded regularly on Moodle after the classes, and 2) one or more interactive parts at every session, in which the students will take an active part (discussions, debates, group exercises). The interactive parts will on occasion need a preparation by the students prior to the class, and will include discussions on the progress of their work.
Speakers from the UCLouvain or from external institutions may occasionally give presentations.

Evaluation methods

The assessment will be based equally (30%) on an oral presentation in class, a written essay and an oral exam in session, with 10% for class participation (attendance and engagement in the discussions).
The oral presentation and written assignment will cover the same original topic chosen by the student in consultation with the teacher.
The oral presentation in class – in English or French – will present the issues and results of this work and will be followed by a discussion. The clarity and the didactic qualities of the presentation, as well as the mastering of the topic, will serve as bases for the assessment. The discussion following the presentation will help the students improve their written essay.
The written essay will take the form of an individual scientific study of no more than 6,000 words (excluding the bibliography). It may be written in French or English. The assessment of this work will be based on its scientific quality, methodological approach and originality.
The oral exam will assess what the student will have learned from the lectures (including the speakers’ and the students’ presentations), as well as their reasoning capacities regarding questions that have been – or have not been – addressed in class. It will also give students the opportunity to defend their written essay.

Bibliography

Bibliographie en ligne sur Moodle.

Faculty or entity

> EHAC