6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 2 with catalog number 1020909AER for all students in the 1st semester at a (A) Bachelor - preliminary level.
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 various
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 of early human cultural behaviour
- 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 in Asia and spread of the early Neolithic in Europe
- Mid and Late Neolithic in the Low Countries
- Copper Age and Early Bronze Age in Europe
- 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
Although special attention is paid to the
big story, this is furnished with concrete examples of
research results that are currently develop this history.
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 class
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. For more information about the structure of the course: see canvas.
The student:
-acquires 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.
-is able to indicate how this knowledge was developed in the research.
-acquires an in-depth understanding of the meaning of material and iconographic sources from prehistory and protohistory.
-makes thematic connections in the period studied and develops a diachronic exposé on issues such as
food supply, technology, settlement systems, social organisation, art, burial, etc.
-acquires an insight into the value (possibilities and limitations) of the sources available from these periods and is able to assume a critical and reflective attitude to these.
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 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.
For any assignments, the use of generative AI is permitted for support, provided that these AI tools are used in a responsible and honest manner. Any use of generative AI must be appropriately indicated (see guidelines on canvas).
The second term is a new exam that proceeds in the same way as the first examination period.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Philosophy and Moral Sciences: default (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of History: Minor Minor Human Sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of History: minor Social Sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Art Studies and Archaeology: Profile Profile Art Studies and Archaeology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Art Studies and Archaeology: Profile Profile Archaeological Science (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: German-French (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: French-Italian (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: French-Spanish (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Dutch-English (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Dutch-French (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Dutch-Italian (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Dutch-Spanish (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Dutch-German (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Spanish-Italian (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: Italian-German (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: German-Spanish (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: English-German (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: English-French (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: English-Italian (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Linguistics and Literary Studies: English-Spanish (only offered in Dutch)
Bridging Programme Master of Arts in Art Studies and Archaeology: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Preparatory Programme Master of Arts in Art Studies and Archaeology: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)