AP/HIST 3136 6.0
(cross-listed AP/ANTH
3630 6.0)
Roman Spain:
Archaeology & History
Course director: Prof. Alejandro G. Sinner
SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow – York University
agsinner@yorku.ca
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.
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
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.
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
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
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
Program Fee
Funding
$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!
● 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).
The fee quoted above does not
include airfare to and from Spain
or tuition.
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
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!!
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
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.
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
Other Frequently asked questions
● Accommodation
Accommodation 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.
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]
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
Wednesday, Dec. 16th, 2015.
is
● For more information and the
application form, please visit;
http://yorkinternational.yorku.ca/go
-global/summer-abroad/ Or Email:
YUABROAD@YORKU.CA
Roman Spain: Archaeology & History [HIST 3136]