OVERVIEW

Geoarchaeology aims to study the processes of formation of sites and to identify the relationship with the paleoenvironmental variations of surrounding land.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Geoarchaeology course aims to equip students with the knowledge necessary to reconstruct the formation processes that are significant to defining the history of man and his relationship with the environment, and to identify the chronological moment in which these processes occurred. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Solutions to such archaeological questions come from the analysis of sources of information that belong to the geosphere and that are analysed using techniques that have been changed by various Earth Science disciplines. In particular, the course will enable acquiring an in-depth knowledge of aspects intrinsic to Sedimentology, Pedology and Geomorphology. 

TEACHING METHODS

During the course, lectures will be supplemented by laboratory practical work (micromorphology and cartography) as well as a study trip to a Ligurian site. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu

Geoarchaeology: introductory elements - Sedimentology: characteristics of sediments, stratigraphy, sedimentary environments - processes of meteoric degradation - Soils: constituents, profile of soil, Pedogenesis processes and factors - Paleopedology: paleosoils and loess - Study methods: micro morphology - Geomorphology, morphogenetic environments: slopes and their modelling, alluvial environments, coasts, glaciers, Karst. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

GEOARCHAEOLOGY

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral test aimed at assessing students’ capacity to link different topics, understand the main concepts and master the subject in general.