Time and Location
T 11:45-1:40 PM; R 12:50-1:40
Flint 101
Description and Goals
Historians of the Middle Ages readily acknowledge the advantage that documentary evidence gives them over archaeologists. After all, why would anyone need to dig in the dirt, when so many archives remain unexplored? Why would anyone prefer the drab remains of past material culture to the spiritual and artistic achievements of the Middle Ages? Many view archival material as a control lacking in archaeology. The true task of the archaeologist is thus to discover whether the evidence of material culture properly reflects the documentary record or vice versa. Over the last decades, however, the discipline of medieval archaeology experienced a spectacular growth. It has become clear that the research carried by archaeologists has no direct connections with, or implications for, the question posed of the documentary record by historians. However, the medieval history of material culture raises some important issues, all of which are of historical importance. The study of urban history, for example, cannot be conceived today with a solid training in medieval archaeology. Problems of production and distribution, as well as intricate questions of group identity, gender, and social status can now be re-phrased in the light of the archaeological research. Increasingly, medieval archaeology has become a major component of Medieval Studies.
The main goal of this course is to outline some of the most important areas of current archaeological research and to point to major results. From rural settlements to pottery, the impact of medieval archaeology on the study of medieval society cannot be ignored without the risk of serious distortion. Following a topical, rather than chronological, order, we will look at life in the Middle Ages through the window opened by archaeologists. We will look at how they gather their sources, analyze them and reached conclusions of historical importance.
Textbooks
- The Archaeology of Medieval Europe. Ed. by James Graham-Campbell and Magdalena Valor. Vol. 1. Aarhus: Aarhus University Press, 2007; ISBN: 9788779342903 (pbk.) [hereafter Graham-Campbell and Valor]; on two-hour reserve in Library West.
- The Archaeology of Medieval Europe. Ed. by Martin O. H. Carver and Jan Klápstě. Aarhus: Aarhus University Press, 2011; ISBN: 13 9788779342910 (pbk.) [hereafter Carver and Klápstě]; on two-hour reserve in Library West.
- Kevin Greene and Tom Moore. Archaeology. An Introduction, 5th edition. London/New York: Routledge, 2010; ISBN: 9780415496391 [hereafter Greene and Moore]; on two-hour reserve in Library West.
NOTE: It is essential that you read the assigned sections in the textbook(s) at the time they are due. Class meetings will be organized around a lecture/discussion format and quizzes will necessitate familiarity with the material.
Requirements
There is no attendance policy, but you are responsible for attending all lectures and reading the required texts. Class participation may be taken into account to determine the overall grade. The basis for evaluation of performance will be four quizzes, 10 journal entries, and two exams (Midterm and Final).The quizzes will consist only of multiple-choice questions (no essay). A careful study of the readings is necessary for a good performance at the quiz. The journal entries consist of e-mail messages sent on my address (fcurta@ufl.edu), in which you will discuss briefly the readings for the topics marked with (*) in the list of course weekly topics below. You can ask questions about the readings and/or make comments, raise issues that need clarification, etc. All journal entries should arrive at least 15 hours before the corresponding class meetings. Be sure to keep your postings to a reasonable length (175 to 250 words long). I do not want you to spend too much time on them, but I expect you to give an articulate presentation of your thoughts. Needless to say, I also expect you to check on correct grammar and spelling before clicking on “Send.” The Midterm and Final exams will cover everything from lectures and readings. Both will consist of a short answer portion and a longer essay. Please review the University’s academic honesty guidelines and the Disability Resource Center resources. Make-up quizzes, journal entries, or exams will be given only for very serious reasons. In every case, I will ask for written justification or proof. Extra-credit work will be accepted only for students with active participation in class discussions. The format of the extra-credit option shall be discussed with the instructor during regular office hours. The following point system will be used in determining the final grade:
- Quizzes: 20 points
- Journal entries: 20 points
- Midterm: 30 points
- Final exam: 30 points
- Total: 100 points
Grading Scale
| Points | Grade |
| 95-100 | A |
| 90-94 | A- |
| 87-89 | B+ |
| 81-86 | B |
| 75-80 | B- |
| 68-74 | C+ |
| 61-67 | C |
| 55-60 | C- |
| 48-54 | D+ |
| 41-47 | D |
| 35-40 | D- |
| under 30 | E |