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. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired:

• Basic knowledge on the archaeological research methods
• Knowledge on the archaeological excavation methods and strategies as well as on the archaeological stratigraphy
• Ability to compile a matrix of the stratigraphic units according to the Harris method.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisite required

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 architecture.
• 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 architecture.
• 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.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for students taking the course for 6 cfu

• D. Manacorda, Lezioni di archeologia, Bari 2008 (2010).
• C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, Archeologia. Teorie, metodi, pratica, Bologna 1995 (2006, 2010). Prima parte (fino a p. 162 dell’edizione 2010).
• A. Carandini, Storie dalla terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico, Torino 1991 (2010).
• E. C. Harris, Principi di stratigrafia archeologica, Roma 1983 (2012).
• R. Francovich, D. Manacorda (a cura di), Dizionario di archeologia, Bari 2000 (2012). Voci: Ambientale, archeologia (L. Motta); Archeobotanica (L. Motta); Architettura, archeologia dell’ (R. Parenti); Archeometria (G. Olcese); Bioarcheologia (L. Motta); Contesto (N. Terrenato); Cultura materiale (E. Giannichedda); Diagnostica (F. Cambi); Etnoarcheologia (M. Vidale).

Bibliography for students taking the course for 9 cfu

• D. Manacorda, Lezioni di archeologia, Bari 2008 (2010).
• C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, Archeologia. Teorie, metodi, pratica, Bologna 1995 (2006, 2010). Prima parte (fino a p. 162 dell’edizione 2010).
• A. Carandini, Storie dalla terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico, Torino 1991 (2010).
• R. Francovich, D. Manacorda (a cura di), Dizionario di archeologia, Bari 2000 (2012). Voci: Ambientale, archeologia (L. Motta); Archeobotanica (L. Motta); Architettura, archeologia dell’ (R. Parenti); Archeometria (G. Olcese); Bioarcheologia (L. Motta); Contesto (N. Terrenato); Cultura materiale (E. Giannichedda); Diagnostica (F. Cambi); Etnoarcheologia (M. Vidale).
• Il mondo dell’archeologia, I, Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana, Roma 2002: voci “Lo scavo archeologico”, “La ricostruzione dell’ambiente”, “Lo studio dei reperti”.
• E. C. Harris, Principi di stratigrafia archeologica, Roma 1983 (2012).
• Ph.Barker, Tecniche dello scavo archeologico, Milano 1981.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October, 16, 2018

Class schedule

METHODOLOGIES OF ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written and oral test.

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