Pre and Protohistory

3 ECTS credits
75 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 1020908AEW for working students in the 1st semester at a (A) Bachelor - preliminary level.

Semester

1st semester

Enrollment based on exam contract

Possible

Grading method

Grading (scale from 0 to 20)

Can retake in second session

Yes

Enrollment Requirements

Om dit vak te kunnen registreren moet je minstens 30 stp. behaald hebben in de bachelor. Als je een verkort programma volgt, kan je dit vak zo opnemen. Vakcodes die eindigen op 'W' kunnen enkel door werkstudenten geregistreerd worden.

Taught in

Dutch

Faculty

Faculty of Languages & Humanities

Department

Art Sciences and Archaeology

Educational team

Marc De Bie (course titular)

Activities and contact hours

26 contact hours Lecture
60 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study

Course Content

This course provides a general overview of pre and protohistory,
with a focus on the developments in the natural, economic,
social, cultural, artistic and spiritual contexts of early
societies. Geographically the course initially covers the whole
of the old continent. Then it focuses mainly on NW Europe and the Low
Countries in particular. In addition to a general overview of the variouse
periods, considerable attention is paid to the nature and value
of the archaeological and iconographic archive. This is the source material
of choice for the study of pre and protohistory.
Where possible art historical aspects are also covered.
Because this relates to a broad overview and the course should provide a stepping stone
for later study, the structure is relatively traditional. In addition to a few
introductory, theoretical and methodological chapters, an
overview follows in chronological order:
- General introduction with attention to the history of
research of pre and protohistory, an overview of the source material,
methodology, etc.
- Evolution of the natural environment and of mankind as a natural species
- Human origins and evolution in Africa and development
to Europe
- Early Upper Paleolithic in Europe
- Neanderthals and the mid Palaeolithic
- The earliest Homo Sapiens cultures in NW Europe
- Hunter and gatherers after the last Ice Age (Mesolithic)
- Origin of the Neolithic
- Spread of the early Neolithic in Europe
- Mid and Late Neolithic in the Low Countries
- Copper Age and Early Bronze Age
- Mid and Late Bronze Age in NW Europe
- Early Iron Age (Hallstatt)
- The Celts (La Tène)
- The Roman conquest and the transition to a Gallo-Roman civilization

The emphasis in the examples used in the lectures is on
the results of recent research. Although special attention is paid to the
big story, this is furnished with concrete examples of
research results that are currently develop this history.

Course material

Digital course material (Required) : Illustraties bij de cursus, Marc De Bie, Canvas
Practical course material (Recommended) : Bezoek aan het 'echte' bronnenmateriaal in het museum
Course text (Required) : Pre- en protohistorie, Marc De Bie, VUB, 2220170008295, 2021

Additional info

One of the lessons consists of a guest lecture by a prominent
archaeologist who will discuss recent research.
The final class in the series will take place in the rooms dedicated to prehistory and
Gallo-Roman archaeology in the Royal Museums for Art and
History (Brussels).
With regard to the educational activities, a course of lectures is mainly provided, with a wealth
of image projection and teaching materials. During classn
the students are encouraged to become actively involved and to develop a critical
reflective attitude.
A full written syllabus is made available (from
the VUB-Course Service). In addition several illustrations
discussed in the lectures are also made available via Canvas.
Additional Reading:
The syllabus further refers to relevant literature. During the
lectures teaching material will also be used and the series will culminate in
a visit to the 'real' source material in the museum.

Learning Outcomes

General competencies

1. Holders of a Bachelor s degree in the Arts and Archaeology have an exhaustive reference framework covering major trends, turning points and key evidence from European art history and archaeology from the prehistoric era to today.

2. Holders of a Bachelor s degree have an understanding of the iconographic, stylistic and technical aspects of artistic and material culture.

6. Holders of a Bachelor s degree in the Arts and Archaeology can use the reference framework to apply a critical perspective.

13. Holders of a Bachelor s degree in the Arts and Archaeology have a critical and investigative attitude combined with integrity, which reflects intellectual curiosity and intellectual honesty, as well as a mind-set geared towards life-long learning.

To acquire a basic understanding of human origins as a cultural
being and in the development of human society from the
beginnings to start of the Gallo-Roman period.
Are able to indicate how this knowledge was developed in the research.
To acquire an in-depth understanding of the meaning of material and
iconographic sources from prehistory and protohistory.
To be able to make thematic connections in the period studied and to
be able to develop a diachronic exposé on issues such as
food supply, technology, settlement systems, social organisation, art, burial, etc.
To acquire an insight into the value (possibilities and limitations) of the
sources available from these periods and to be able to asume a critical and reflective attitude to these.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

Oral exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Note: Oral, with the possibility of written preparation of two major overview questions that mainly assess insight. In addition, two smaller questions are asked, one of which relates to the visual material discussed. In this interview it is examined to what extent the higher learning goals and competences have been achieved. Critical active participation during the lectures can have a positive influence on the final evaluation.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Oral with possibility of written preparation of two major
overview questions that mainly assess understanding. In addition two
more minor, more punctual questions will be asked, of which one will relate
to the image material covered. In this oral examination
the extent to which the aforementioned learning objectives and outcomes
were achieved is assessed.
Critical and active participation during the lectures may
positively affect the final assessment.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark

The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context