5.00 credits
30.0 h
Q1
This biannual learning unit is not being organized in 2021-2022 !
Teacher(s)
Langohr Charlotte;
Language
French
Prerequisites
/
Main themes
The course proposes an overview of scientific methods for characterizing and dating archaeological artefacts. Particular attention is paid to ceramic studies (production techniques, research methods, overview of ceramic categories from Prehistory to Post-Medieval period).
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 |
Through this course, students will receive a general introduction to the concepts, methods and techniques commonly employed in archaeological science. A specialised course in ceramic studies is also provided, confronting students with research methods applied to archaeological ceramics. |
Content
The course proposes an overview of scientific and analytical methods for characterizing archaeological artefacts: in ceramic, glass, metal, stone and wood. For each type of materials, the course will consider four main topics: production – dating – distribution – consumption.
For each category of materials, the first discussed topic is the concept of “chaîne opératoire” and its different steps, for the production and manufacture of the artefacts. The study of techniques certainly offers the opportunity to investigate many questions related to the development and organization of human societies. Particular attention is therefore given to the social context of technological choices.
Other topics of interest include regional variations and the issue of distribution and exchanges of artefacts, as well as the different dimensions of the use of the objects. These questions will be discussed via different case studies; these will permit to pinpoint some interpretative frameworks, concepts and analytical models for the better understanding of ancient material cultures.
Therefore, more than a presentation of the different techniques commonly employed in archaeological science, the teaching programme aims at underlining the various kinds of questions that one may address to the archaeological objects, in close connection with their contexts (chronology, regionalism, organisation of the modes of production, distribution and use of the different categories of material culture).
For each category of materials, the first discussed topic is the concept of “chaîne opératoire” and its different steps, for the production and manufacture of the artefacts. The study of techniques certainly offers the opportunity to investigate many questions related to the development and organization of human societies. Particular attention is therefore given to the social context of technological choices.
Other topics of interest include regional variations and the issue of distribution and exchanges of artefacts, as well as the different dimensions of the use of the objects. These questions will be discussed via different case studies; these will permit to pinpoint some interpretative frameworks, concepts and analytical models for the better understanding of ancient material cultures.
Therefore, more than a presentation of the different techniques commonly employed in archaeological science, the teaching programme aims at underlining the various kinds of questions that one may address to the archaeological objects, in close connection with their contexts (chronology, regionalism, organisation of the modes of production, distribution and use of the different categories of material culture).
Teaching methods
Each class session deals with research questions and methods of analysis related to a certain type or category of archaeological artefacts. Some sessions are introduced by an article (to read before the class). The article is discussed at the beginning of the class on the basis of questions raised by the students, and then the teacher will develop specific issues, explain methods and present case-studies related to the content of the article.
Exercises and visits will complete the teaching programme – in strict accordance with the sanitary conditions related to covid 19 - to confront the students to the materials (seminars at the Musée L and CRAN laboratory at UCLouvain), their management and study (visit of the labs at the Service public de Wallonie), and techniques commonly employed in archaeological science (visit of the archaeometry lab at the Université de Liège).
Exercises and visits will complete the teaching programme – in strict accordance with the sanitary conditions related to covid 19 - to confront the students to the materials (seminars at the Musée L and CRAN laboratory at UCLouvain), their management and study (visit of the labs at the Service public de Wallonie), and techniques commonly employed in archaeological science (visit of the archaeometry lab at the Université de Liège).
Evaluation methods
Continuous assessment and research paper to be submitted during the session. The terms and conditions of the research paper are explained during the class; it can be written in English or French.
Online resources
The following can be viewed and downloaded from Moodle: session PWP's, bibliography and portfolio of readings; additional and optional readings and resources.
Bibliography
Une bibliographie détaillée est fournie sur Moodle. Un portefeuille de lectures obligatoires est également discuté durant certaines séances de cours.
A detailed bibliography is provided on Moodle. A reading portfolio is presented during some class sessions.
A detailed bibliography is provided on Moodle. A reading portfolio is presented during some class sessions.
Faculty or entity
EHAC
