Archaeology: scientific methods and practice I

Teacher(s)

Vanden Broeck-Parant Jean; Verslype Laurent; Weinkauf Erika (compensates Verslype Laurent);

Language

French

Prerequisites

/

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.

Learning outcomes

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

This course introduces the methods of analysis of an archaeological object or a work of art: description, documentary research, state of the questions, history of the work, comparisons and thematic study. It introduces the vocabulary of archaeology with the help of interactive tools, collaborative work and the support of tutors. It also introduces the historiographical basics of the discipline.

The course presents the types of bibliographic sources necessary for the study of archaeological objects and sites, with a guide to the working tools available on the Moodle interface. The systems of bibliographic references and abbreviations are presented in relation to each of these types (encyclopaedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, manuals, monographs, collections of works, periodicals, museum and exhibition catalogues, databases...).
It is accompanied by illustrated essays, with oral presentation, as well as field visits (sites, museums).

Teaching methods

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

Evaluation steps :
a) continued assessment (5 intermediate works over the two semesters) ;
b) a research project with an oral presentation during the first semester, and a final written research essay and its oral public presentation during the second semester ;
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 during the first and second semester)
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.
The use of Artificial Intelligences (AI) will be strictly supervised. It will be responsible and critical and will be carried out in accordance with the practices of academic and scientific integrity.

Online resources

Moodle: calendar, notes, syllabus handouts ...

Bibliography

Syllabus « Introduction à la pratique scientifique en archéologie, histoire de l'art et musicologie »
Disponible sur Moodle avec possibilité d'impression en ligne à la DUC.
Available on Moodle with the possibility of printing online at the DUC.

Faculty or entity

EHAC