Archaeological Theory

This course gives an overview, selective and by no means exhaustive, of what archaeological theory is currently about. You will read and reflect upon a recent handbook that provides something of a ‘state of the art’ of the philosophy of science. Note, however, that the handbook chapters are conceived here as points of departure for the individual lectures and associated readings that may wander in very different directions across the contemporary theoretical scape.

Current Issues in Heritage Studies and Applied Archaeology

This course critically engages with archaeology, heritage and museums in contemporary practice, and explores the ‘relationship’ between past and present communities and heritage issues.

Present-day archaeology and heritage studies is not just about doing scientific research, they are more than ever about professionals applying knowledge of the deep past while also engaging with community and public issues. Besides executing research, archaeologists today also work in protecting and preserving heritage, have a keen eye for the public and be able to make the public and communities part of their research. You must be able to explain the relevance and impact of heritage research in a social context and current societal issues.

Museums, Collections and Society

The role, function and purpose of museums in contemporary society has been the center of much debate over the past decades. This course contextualizes that debate by focusing on the history of museums, as well as key concepts and issues in museum theory and museum practice. Combining insights from different disciplines (archaeology, art history, anthropology, museum studies) students will collectively reflect on what the social role of museums and collections is (and can be).

This course provides an introduction to methods and approaches in heritage research and museum research. You gain an understanding of debates in methodology, research design and its relationship to research methods, the use of methods, and ethical principles in research practice.

• Hunter-gatherer Archaeology
• The Archaeology of Hominin Diversity

• Europe I: Prehistory
• Europe II: Historical Archaeology
• Key Developments in European Prehistory
• Archeologie en Erfgoed van Nederland

• Neolithisation in West Asia
• Eastern Mediterranean and West Asia
• The Archaeology of the Assyrian Empire

• Archaeology of the Crusades
• Current Issues in the Archaeology of the Frontier Regions of the Roman Empire
• The Archaeology of the Greek Mediterranean
• Crafting the Greek World. Theory and practice
• The Archaeology of Daily Life in the First Millennium CE in the Mediterranean
• Ancient Networks

• Americas