COURSES

Content

Through a variety of case-studies, issues such as the role of archaeology in Africa will be assessed, dating methods and context (stratigraphy, site formation processes), the conservation chances of various aspects of material culture, the reconstruction of past environments, the impact of evolution in worldview on the agenda of archaeological research, and the contribution of archaeology to the conservation of cultural heritage and museum policies. Focus is on sub-Saharan Africa and a number of case studies will come from Central Africa.

Learning outcomes

• an in-depth knowledge of the role of archaeology in the reconstruction of history in Africa South of the Sahara
• correct use of archaeological sources in an interdisciplinary approach to assess history in Africa South of the Sahara
• understand the importance of archaeological results for African heritage conservation

Teaching methods

Excursion, Lecture

Assessment method(s)

Assessment moments: end-of-term

Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: Written assessment

Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the resit examination period: Written assessment

Lecturers

Coutros, Peter: lecturer-in-charge

Course dates

This course takes place in the first semester of academic year 2026-2027:

• Educational activities: September 21 to December 12, 2026
• Catch-up activities: December 14 to December 19, 2026
• Christmas break: December 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027
• Examination period: January 4 to January 30, 2027
• Resit Examination period: August 16 to September 18, 2027

There will be one online lecture per week from September 21 to December 12, 2026.

Entry requirements: Having successfully completed a bachelor in African Languages and Cultures, a bachelor in Archaeology, a bachelor in History or having equivalent competences.

How to apply

1. Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
2. Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office (contact details below).
3. Apply by completing the Ghent University form (link to follow) by August 17th.
4. Register at Ghent university. Registration instructions will follow after application.

Information per university

• University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
• University of Bern: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern 
• University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    
• Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
• University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIPs and application form 
• University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses) 
• University of Tartu: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP’s and virtual courses 
• Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University

For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For information regarding the course content: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.