Department of History
Certificate Program in Medieval Archaeology
Class will meet on in Flint 013 on Mondays between 7:20 and 10:10 pm
AssignmentsAlthough in existence since the nineteenth century in many European countries, the discipline of medieval archaeology is relatively new. Today, no serious historian can ignore the great contributions of archaeology to the study of the Middle Ages without the risk of missing a fundamental category of sources. Medieval archaeology studies the past through a variety of sources, even though it makes primary use of material remains. That medieval archaeologists integrate the material evidence with other source materials, particularly with written sources, has implication for the theory, methods, and teaching of medieval archaeology. In that respect, the discipline appears to be both inter- and transdisciplinary. Ultimately, medieval archaeology is an historical archaeology, in that genuine archaeological sources are tied up within a framework of parallel records, including written and pictorial sources. Since the challenge for historians of the Middle Ages is to understand the subject of their studies through a multitude of sources, this course will offer a window into the realm of possibilities offered by the discipline of medieval archaeology. The goal is not comprehensive coverage. Instead, a selection of relevant topics was made with the purpose of inviting discussion of the ways in which medieval archaeology can be used for historical analysis.
As this is a graduate level course, I assume that everyone enrolled has a basic familiarity with the resources available in the library and is willing to use foreign language sources when appropriate. I also assume that everyone knows the mechanics of researching and writing a scholarly paper. By this, I mean the proper use and acknowledgment of sources as well as the fundamentals of compositions, (English) grammar, and spelling.
The format of this course will be reading- and discussion-oriented. In lieu of written examinations, I will require a brief (3-5 page) essay on the readings each week, due in class on the day that they are to be discussed. You are also to complete a substantial research paper on a relevant topic. After we finish with the core set of required readings, I will expect you to locate and read sources on your own, then come to class prepared to discuss them. I have found this to be the most effective way to learn about a topic which is best examined through case studies. Requirements for the course include attendance at class meetings, participation in class discussion, and the timely completion of all assignments.
There will be ten review essays. Each essay should be between three and five typed pages and all of them are worth 50 percent of your overall grade. Within the first month of the course, you must consult with me on selection of topic and bibliography for your research paper. That paper is worth 40 percent of your overall grade. Finally, the presentation of your paper in the final colloquium is worth another 10 percent.
In writing papers, be certain to give proper credit whenever you use words, phrases, ideas, arguments, and conclusions drawn from someone else’s work. Failure to give credit by quoting and/or footnoting is plagiarism and is unacceptable. Please review the University’s honesty policy.
Read:
- Moreland, Archaeology and Text
October 8: Castles
- Hamerow, Early Medieval Settlements
October 15: Churches and monasteriesRead:
- Creighton, Castles
October 22: Daily lifeRead:
- Greene, Medieval Monasteries
Topics for research project, with preliminary bibliography due.
October 29: Mortuary archaeologyRead:
- Vroom, After Antiquity
November 5: Social structures and powerRead:
- Williams, Death
November 12: Veterans' Day. No classes.Read:
- Sykes, Norman Conquest
- Klápštĕ, Czech Lands