Syllabus SA 510 - Spatial Analysis

Contact info

Dr. Dries Daems
daems -at- metu.edu.tr
Office: Faculty of Architecture, room 430
Office hours: Wednesdays 2 to 4 PM

Course goals

The goal of this course is to teach students the basic principles of spatial analysis in archaeology, focusing particularly on the underlying rationale, as well as the theoretical and methodological implications of frequently applied techniques. This course will offer a theory-based approach to spatial analysis, discussing the various theories and methodologies used to study landscapes and spatial human behaviour in the past through readings, group discussion and reflections. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to formulate research questions about the spatial aspect of archaeological data, draft a spatially aware research design, and critically assess the application of spatial analysis and the interpretation of its outputs.

Course overview

The modules for this course each consist of a short introductory lecture followed by a discussion based on assigned readings in which students are expected to participate actively, express and elaborate their opinions. Readings will be assigned one week ahead. The first half of the course discusses the basics of spatial analysis, including its historical development, prevalent theoretical approaches, the methods of data collection, standards of statistical analysis, its integration with time as the main structuring dimensions of archaeological research and ways of visualisation. The second half of the course introduces a number of important spatial methodologies in archaeological research. Topics listed in the syllabus are tentative and subject to change as the course progresses.

Learning outcomes

• Gain an overview of the breadth of possibilities for spatial analysis in archaeology
• Build understanding of the theoretical and methodological requirements and implications of particular spatial methodologies
• Learn to transform research hypotheses into viable theoretical and methodological frameworks in the application of spatial analysis in archaeological research

Evaluation

50% final paper; 40% active participation and engagement in class discussions; 10% attendance. Remember that preparation is necessary to be able to adequately participate in discussion or contribute original thoughts. Participation in discussion and evaluation of exercises is essential and counts strongly towards the final grade.

Final papers

The final assignment for this course involves a theoretical paper discussing the potential and pitfalls of spatial analysis in archaeology. Students can chose any topic covered in this course, as well as other relevant topics that apply to course contents or thesis topics of the student. Topics must be announced by mid-term.

Course schedule

1. Introduction: Goals, structure and outline of the course.
2. History and theory of spatial analysis in archaeology
3. Archaeological data and spatial analysis
4. Spatial legacy data and data visualisation
5. Time and space in archaeological analysis
6. Settlement geography: models and theories
7. Settlement and environment: Historical landscape analysis, regional analysis and predictive modelling
8. Spatial agent-based modelling
9. Spatial networks
10. Spatial interaction modelling
11. Spatial statistics and data analysis
12. Spatial point patterns and processes
13. Space syntax
14. Conclusions: Spatial analysis in archaeology. Where are we heading?

Readings

Will be announced one week ahead of time.

Selected reading materials:

• Coomans, T., Cattoor, B. and De Jonge, K., 2019. Mapping Landscapes in Transformation : Multidisciplinary Methods for Historical Analysis. Leuven University Press.
• Crema, E.R., Bevan, A. and Lake, M.W., 2010. A probabilistic framework for assessing spatio-temporal point patterns in the archaeological record. Journal of Archaeological Science, 37(5), pp.1118–1130.
• Crooks, A., Malleson, N., Manley, E. and Heppenstall, A., 2018. Agent-Based Modelling and Geographical Information Systems: A Practical Primer. SAGE.
• Donnellan, L., 2020. Archaeological Networks and Social Interaction. Routledge.
• Fischer, M.M. and Wang, J., 2011. Spatial Data Analysis: Models, Methods and Techniques. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Gillings, M., Hacıgüzeller, P. and Lock, G., 2018. Re-Mapping Archaeology : Critical Perspectives, Alternative Mappings. Routledge.
• Kesteloot, C., Loopmans, M. and De Decker, P., 2009. Space in sociology: an exploration of a difficult conception. In: Between the social and the spatial : exploring the multiple dimensions of poverty and social exclusion. Ashgate.pp.113–132.
• Östborn, P. and Gerding, H., 2014. Network analysis of archaeological data: a systematic approach. Journal of Archaeological Science, 46, pp.75–88.
• Paliou, E., Lieberwirth, U. and Polla, S. eds., 2014. Spatial analysis and social spaces. Berlin ; Boston: De Gruyter.
• Peeples, M.A., 2019. Finding a Place for Networks in Archaeology. Journal of Archaeological Research.
• Rivers, R., Knappett, C. and Evans, T., 2013. What makes a site important? Centrality, gateways and gravity. In: C. Knappett, ed. Network analysis in archaeology: New approaches to regional interaction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.pp.125–150.
• Rivers, R.J. and Evans, T.S., 2014. New approaches to Archaic Greek settlement structure. Les nouvelles de l’archéologie, (135), pp.21–27.
• Singleton, A. and Arribas‐Bel, D., 2019. Geographic Data Science. Geographical Analysis.
• Turner, S. and Crow, J., 2010. Unlocking historic landscapes in the Eastern Mediterranean: two pilot studies using Historic Landscape * Characterisation. Antiquity, 84(323), pp.216–229.
• Verhagen, P., 2018. Predictive Modeling. In: The Encyclopedia of Archaeological Sciences. American Cancer Society.pp.1–3.
• Vionis, A.K. and Papantoniou, G., 2019. Central Place Theory Reloaded and Revised: Political Economy and Landscape Dynamics in the Longue Durée. Land, 8(2), p.36.