OVERVIEW

The course reflects on the objectives and methods of contemporary archaeology with a series of in depth studies of theoretical and praticai methods of archaeological research in the field (survey and archaeological excavation).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Teaching aims to give students the basic knowledge of the main methods applied in archaeology with particular reference to research in the field. At the end of the course, students will have acquired critical knowledge of three main themes: stratigraphical excavation, archaeology of landscapes and underwater archaeology. 

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be given with lectures during which explanatory images will be projected.

During lectures on the principles of archaeological stratigraphy and systems of elaboration of stratigraphical sequences, there will be both individual and group exercises at the board. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu

Questions, methods and problems of contemporary archaeology.

Development of the stratigraphical approach in archaeology and the contribution of scientific approaches.

Sites and contexts: diagnostic and evaluation systems.

Strategies, methods and instruments: field work.

Archaeological stratigraphy and the Harris diagram.

Archaeology and stratigraphy of elevated areas.

Phases of post-excavation analysis of data and findings.

Relative and absolute chronology.

Dating and characterisation systems.

Programme for students taking the course for 9 cfu

Questions, methods and problems of contemporary archaeology.

Development of the stratigraphical approach in archaeology and the contribution of scientific approaches.

Sites and contexts: diagnostic and evaluation systems.

Strategies, methods and instruments: field work.

Archaeological stratigraphy and the Harris diagram.

Archaeology and stratigraphy of elevated areas.

Phases of post-excavation analysis of data and findings.

Relative and absolute chronology.

Dating and characterisation systems.

From the archaeological excavation to the publication of research.

Public archaeology.

Conservation, protection and enhancement.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVIA PALLECCHI (President)

NICOLA CUCUZZA

BIANCA MARIA GIANNATTASIO

LESSONS

Class schedule

METHODOLOGIES OF ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written test on the general part of the programme.

Oral test in which the written test will be discussed and knowledge of the second part of the study programme will be assessed.

A good knowledge of the concepts and methods, both theoretical and practical, that characterise contemporary archaeology is the basic threshold. To reach excellence, students must demonstrate the capacity to develop critical reflections on the information potential of evidence and contexts also in relation to the different interpretative and scientific approaches that are available today in this field

Exam schedule