Archaeological Science and Practice Seminar B: Earth and Materials Sciences

Teacher(s)

Langohr Charlotte; Vanden Broeck-Parant Jean; Verslype Laurent;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Main themes

This biennial seminar introduces to the concepts and methods relevant to the application of earth sciences in archaeology. The disciplines covered, which will change from year to year, include geology, geomorphology, pedology, topography, and numerical modelling, as well as analytical, microscopic, chemical or physical methods aiming at the characterisation or dating of the most common archaeological materials (glass, stone, ceramics, metal, wood).

Content

According to the biennial organization, introduction to geoarchaeology (emergence of the discipline, main geomorphological contexts, bibliography); sedimentology and pedology (criteria for description and characterisation of loose deposits, notion of sedimentary facies); archaeological micromorphology (principles and applications); geoarchaeology; archaeogeography and use of geographic information systems (GIS), notions of archaeoseismology. Specialised applications of physical, chemical and imagery tools used in the Earth sciences, to the study of ecofacts and artefacts. The seminar documents the theoretical frameworks of the disciplines and the methods presented in sessions, selected by invited experts, and through preparatory readings. It aims to raise the students’ awareness about the observation of first-hand data, and to bring them into contact with professional activities in several sectors related to the disciplines of archaeological science.

Teaching methods

The seminar is divided into 3-hour joint sessions (general introduction to the seminar, sessions in the form of lectures by one or more invited expert(s) who address(es) at least two different themes/disciplinary fields, selected annually) and the preparation and completion of an individual/group research work by the students. Some sessions take the form of a general introduction (concepts, methods of analysis, research questions), others focus on the in-depth presentation of specific case studies. Sessions can be prepared by preliminary readings and questions addressed by the students. Some sessions may, if necessary, take the form of a visit to a laboratory, workshop or museum. The course will also include practical work in small groups, in connection with the subject areas studied.
Laboratory methods may be trained during the internship LARKE2710, of which at least 5 working days are devoted to the management and enhancement of archaeological or natural science collections, the study of archaeological objects or materials, the processing and dissemination of results (exhibition, portfolio or educational project, etc.).

Evaluation methods

The evaluation of the annual seminar is based on an original essay. The theme of the work is directly related to the disciplines and fields of study that have been presented and discussed in the sessions proposed by experts. In the form of individual or group work, the student or group of students analyses an article or a pair of articles submitted to them and writes a critical report. It will be the subject of a detailed oral presentation by the students to their peers (individually or in groups), and followed by a discussion. If necessary, written support for the oral presentation must be submitted. Depending on the themes selected during the seminar, the evaluation may also involve the production of video clips, and/or the organisation of an exhibition.
Related to LARKO2710, 5 days of internship completes the training of the seminars LARKO2241 and LARKO2242. Its assessment is an integral part of LARKO2710.

Online resources

Dedicated Moodle space including documentary files and useful supports according to the activities organized.

Bibliography

Une bibliographie est proposée, en fonction des thèmes abordés.

Faculty or entity

> EHAC