ANTH 615: History of Wooden
Shipbuilding Technology
Fall Semester 2006: Syllabus
Wednesday, 1:50 – 4:50 p.m.
Office hours: 2:00-3:00
Instructor: Dr. Cemal Pulak
Office:
The course is designed to examine the major components of watercraft and the systems involved in operating them. The survey cannot hope to be comprehensive in any real sense, but at the end of the semester one should have a solid grasp of the basic principles influencing the construction and operation of ships and boats, the major trends in the development of watercraft, and some sense of the relationship between shipbuilding and greater economic, social, and technological developments in culture.
The seminar format of the course revolves around a single meeting, of three hours, each week. Part of that meeting may involve an introductory lecture to explain fundamentals and to set the scene for the day's discussion (the first two weeks will be all lectures, in order to introduce basic concepts). The rest of the meeting is a mixture of formal presentation by students--generally two major presentations (marked on the syllabus by *) and a number of shorter contributions--and general discussion. The goal is not only to gain an understanding of the basic principles involved, but through informed dialogue to explore new ideas and alternative interpretations. The livelier the discussion, the more successful the class. All ideas are welcome, and you should remember that there are no gospels in this field. Just because an expert in the field wrote it, or I said it, does not mean it is incontrovertibly true. Challenge, and open yourself to challenge.
Grading of this course is based 45% on a semester paper, 5% on proposal and abstract for the semester paper, 40% on oral presentations (25% on the major presentations, 15% on the others), and 10% on contributions to class discussions. This last is not just a "fudge factor," but an incentive to think about the material and make an original contribution to our understanding of the history of seafaring. Do not feel that because you are new to the subject you have nothing concrete to offer, or worry that you do not speak well in front of others. Everyone has something to contribute, and this is your chance to take a stand.
The primary text for this course is Richard Steffy's Wooden Ship Building and the Interpretation of Shipwrecks. In addition to several other titles given in your syllabus for background reading, there are a number of readings assigned each week. These readings are divided into two groups: required and suggested. The required readings (marked by *) provide essential information on the topic of the week, and the suggested readings (which may be quite extensive) provide additional information and greater depth. Because the course depends on informed group discussion, it is imperative that you keep up with at least the required readings.
Class begins promptly at 1:50 p.m. Please have all preparations complete well beforehand. The order of reports as given in the syllabus may not be strictly observed on the day, so you should be ready by the beginning of class.
Background
Session 1 (August
30): Introduction I
Session 2 (September 6): Introduction II
Session 3 (September 13): Dugouts and Early Planked Boats
Session 4
(September 20): Lashed/Sewn Boats in the
Session 5 (September 27): Mortise-and-Tenon Construction
*****TERM PAPER TOPICS DUE AT BEGINNING OF CLASS*****
Session 6 (4
October): Transitions I: The
Session 7 (11
October): Clinker Construction
*****TERM PAPER ABSTRACTS DUE AT BEGINNING OF CLASS*****
Session 8 (18
October): Transitions II: The Lapstrake Tradition
Session 9 (25
October): Bottom-Based Construction.
Session 10 (1
November): Transitions III: Cogs and the Dutch
Session 11 (8 November): Naval Architecture
Session 12 (15
November): Warships in the Age of Fighting Sail
Session 13 (22
November): Merchant Vessels and Commercial Empires
Session 14 (29
November): The
Session 14 (30
November): Presentation of Student’s Papers
*****PAPERS DUE ON MONDAY 5:00 P.M., 4 DECEMBER*****
The Americans with
Disabilities Act (
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a
federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights
protection for persons with disabilities.
Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities
be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation
of their disabilities. If you believe
you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department
of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the
TAMU Plagiarism
Policy
The handouts used in this course are copyrighted. By "handouts," I mean all materials generated for this class, which include but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and additional problem sets. Because these materials are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy the handouts, unless I expressly grant permission.
As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one's own the ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated. If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, under the section “Scholastic Dishonesty.” The Student Rules are available on-line: http://student-rules.tamu.edu.
Academic Integrity
Statement
Aggie Honor Code: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” The Honor Council Rules and Procedures can be found on the website of the Office of the Aggie Honor System: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor.