Course director: Prof. Alejandro G. Sinner SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow – York University...

Course director: Prof. Alejandro G. SinnerSSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow – York University

[email protected]

AP/HIST 3136 6.0 (cross-listed AP/ANTH

3630 6.0)Roman Spain:

Archaeology & History

Program Dates

York University (class): May 2 - 13, 2016 Cabrera de Mar, Spain (excavation): May 23 - June 17, 2016 Description

This course examines the historical value of archaeological evidence by applying archaeological theory and method to the excavation of a late-Iberian/early-Roman site in Spain: Cabrera de Mar (30 km east of Barcelona). A combination of formal instruction at York and hands-on excavation at the site provides a detailed understanding of archaeological techniques and the critical use of archaeological data in addressing key historical questions.

Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]

Schedule of lectures and readings

PART I (1 week). ROMAN SPAIN: FROM THE 2nd PUNIC WAR TO SERTORIUS ● Mon: The Second Punic War (218-206 BC) and its impact on Iberian society. ● Tues: The first half of the 2nd c. BC: Roman techniques of conquest and diplomacy to assert control over the Iberian peninsula. Indigenous reactions and uprisings against Roman power. The first steps towards imposing Roman provincial administration in the region. ● Wed: The second half of the 2nd century BC. The tightening of Roman control and changes in native settlement patterns in light of this. ● Thurs: The Sertorian wars and the Roman reorganization of Iberian territory (90-72 BC). ● Note: In each of these sessions, a range of scholarly treatments of topics

plus relevant literary, archaeological, numismatic and epigraphic evidence will be taken into account.


Schedule of lectures and readings

PART II (1 week). ARCHAEOLOGY: THEORY AND METHODOLOGY ● Mon: The definition and formation of an archaeological site. ● Tue: Excavation Methods and Techniques. ● Wed: Stratigraphy and the ‘Harris Matrix’.

● Thurs: Recording and documentation skills: preparing excavation records, sections and plans.

PART III (4 weeks). ABROAD: EXCAVATION ● Mon – Thurs: Excavation (4 or 5 groups of 3 persons): 9 am to 2pm

2 or 3 groups digging and doing archaeological drawing.2 or 3 groups cleaning and working with the materials recovered.

All groups will do both activities allowing the students to switch between excavation activity and analytical work on finds in the archaeological field laboratory.

● Fri: Excursions. All day activity.


The excavation: the house number 2 of Can Mateu

The house:Inhabited approximately between 135/125 B.C and 90/80 B.C., when it was abandoned, it is located near the public baths and seem to occupy one of the most privileged spaces within the urban layout.

The goal:A household archaeology study of this domestic space should reveal to us some of the cultural practices, consumption patterns and other relevant aspects of their inhabitants’ lives.

Last year team (summer 2015)YorkU team received by the mayor in the Cabrera de Mar City Hall

YorkU team at the archaeological site (Roman baths)

Evaluation

● First week test (Roman Spain) ……………. 15% (in class)

● Second week test (Archaeology) …………. 15% (in class)

● Field work …………………………………………… 30% (abroad)

● Proposal Major paper …………………………. 5%

● Major paper ……………………………………….. 35% The submission deadline for the major paper is June 30th


Program Fee

$1,600—1,700 Canadian Dollars (Final fee will be confirmed as soon as possible). Includes the following: ● Shared Accommodation.● Transportation to and from the excavation site. ● Transportation and Entrance to some of the most well-known archaeological sites; Empúries (Emporion); Tarragona (Tarraco); and Badalona (Baetulo).● Transportation and entrance to Archaeological Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona and more!

The fee quoted above does not include airfare to and from Spain or tuition.

Funding

● All students will be eligible to receive YIMA (York International’s Mobility Award; up to 500 CAD). ● Students in the Faculty of LA&PS are eligible to receive the LA&PS International Study Abroad Award (up to 500 CAD).


While in Spain ...

● Explore a late-Iberian/Roman site. ● Acquire familiarity with the central scholarly debates about Roman Spain in the second and first centuries B.C. ● Gain a deeper understanding of how archaeologists obtain and interpret their data.● Learn how to use archaeological evidence to address important historical questions.● Working on an excavation site outside of Canada will provide students with valuable international experience.● Visit some of the most well-known archaeological sites in Catalonia.● Enhance your ability to work collaboratively as part of a larger archaeological team while improving your social skills living and collaborating together in a foreign country.● Discover Barcelona, its surrounding landscapes and its culture!!


Frequently asked questions

● Are there any eligibility restrictions? Enrolment in the course will be on a by permission basis. Students accepted into York summer courses abroad are normally 2nd and 3rd year students, who usually need to have a cumulative GPA of at least 5.0/C+. 1st year students (going into 2nd year) can apply but I don't know if they will be accepted.

● Would 3rd and 4th year students be chosen before 1st and 2nd year students?Priority will be given to 3rd and 4th year students. The reason is that 1st and 2nd year students should have the opportunity to register in the course in Summer 2016. However, each case will be judged on its own merits.

● What is the criteria for selecting those who will go if more than 15 students apply?If we have more applicants than positions, selection will be based on the following criteria:

● The relevance of the course to the student’s degree program (major and minor).

● Students majoring or minoring in History, Classical Studies and Anthropology will be given preference.● The relevance of archaeology to the student’s future studies.● Previous experience on an excavation is not required but may be an asset.● Personal interview. I will interview the most qualified students to determine those students who will be given permission to enroll.


Other Frequently asked questions

● AccommodationAccommodation will be provided by York University and Cabrera de Mar Town Hall in a house that the town maintains for visitors (see pictures below). No more than 6 students will be accommodated per room (usually 3 or 4 students per room), and the rooms will be divided by gender. The house has a fully functional kitchen, 6 bedrooms, living room, study room, large garden, pool and is located 5 minutes walking from the archaeological site and the Cabrera de Mar city Hall.


Application

● Students must submit an application form and a letter of intent to the Office of York International, along with a $500 program fee deposit.

● The application deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 16th, 2015.

● For more information and the application form, please visit;

http://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/go-global/summer-abroad/ Or Email: [email protected]


Course director: Prof. Alejandro G. Sinner SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow – York University...

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