OVERVIEW

The course presents the tricky relationship between the complexity of material vestiges and the theoretical and practical tools through which archaeologist can identify and interpret them. The course will encourage students to reflect on the informational potential of material and logical traces, single traces and clusters, which are sources for the reconstruction of human history and the reconstruction of the history of human interaction with the environment.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowing in depth the potential and the goals of archaeological on-the-ground research; being able to analyze the relationship between the complexity of material vestiges and the theoretical and practical tools through which archaeologist can identify and interpret them. Being able to analyze single traces and whole contexts in their material and logical aspects; being able to see traces as the result of the transformation of matter due to natural events and behaviors. Being able to illustrate the complex relation between material data and their informational potential, by presenting case studies from archaeological and ethno-archaeological research.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Taking the course, the student will be able to:

• orient himself in the delicate relationship between the materiality of data and its actual informative potential;
• identify and document sets of material and logic traces, relating them to human activities and practices, and distinguish them according to their relevance to the systemic or the archaeological context;
• evaluate the traces' information potential in relation to the behavioral systems they've been originated from;
• orient himself between the methods which can allow decoding of traces.

PREREQUISITES

General knowledge of the main issues concerning the Methods and Theory of the Archaeological Research.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will consist of lectures with projection of images on computer support.
During the lessons concernig with stratigraphy and the Harris matrix, singular and group exercises on the blackboard will also be done.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

Interpretation of archaeological evidence: issues and theoretical implications;
The role of environment in the interpretation of evidence;
Complex stratifications and post-depositional processes in the relation between systemic context and archaeological context;
Active and passive post-depositional processes: analysis of a few case studies;

Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

Interpretation of archaeological evidence: issues and theoretical implications;
The role of environment in the interpretation of evidence;
Complex stratifications and post-depositional processes in the relation between systemic context and archaeological context;
Active and passive post-depositional processes: analysis of a few case studies;
Physical traces and logical traces: negative evidence;
The limits of Harris' matrix: propositions for adaptation and integration in order to represent transformation and continuity;
Material aspect of behavior and characteristics of matter: the potential and limits of correlation;
Archaeological traces as traces of behaviors: a reflection upon visibility, informational potential and the issues related to excavation and registration;
Informational potential and practical strategies for decoding information in common stratigraphic situations;
Traces and indications of symbolic behaviors: major issues related to recognition and interpretation of evidence.
The role of Harris' diagram in data interpretation.
Phase and Period maps, seriation tables and distribution maps.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

- A. Guidi, I metodi della ricerca archeologica, Roma 2006.
- S. Pallecchi, Archeologia delle tracce, Roma 2008.
- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, Archaeology. Theories, Methods and Practice, New York 1991, pp. 9-148.
- M. Vidale, Che cos'è l'etnoarcheologia, Roma 2004.
- Ph. Barker, Understanding Archaeological Excavation, London 1986.

Bibliography for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

- E. C. Harris, Principles of Archaeological Stratigraphy, London 1989.
- S. Pallecchi, Archeologia delle tracce, Roma 2008.
- M.B. Schiffer, Formation Processes of the Archaeological Record, Salt Lake City 1987.
- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, Archaeology. Theories, Methods and Practice, New York 1991, pp. 150-484.
- M. Vidale, Che cos'è l'etnoarcheologia, Roma 2004.
- C. Gamble, Fondamenti di archeologia, Milano 2017.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVIA PALLECCHI (President)

NICOLA CUCUZZA

BIANCA MARIA GIANNATTASIO

FABIO NEGRINO

ELENA SANTORO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 18, 2020

Class schedule

THE EXCAVATION METHODOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written and oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Written test on the general part of the course.
Oral test, which includes the discussion of the results of the written test, and which is meant to assess students' knowledge of the second part of the course. Minimum 'pass' requirements are: good knowledge of the major theories in behavioral archaeology; good understanding of the processes of formation and transformation of archaeological stratifications; good understanding of the interpretation and reconstruction of archaeological stratifications. 'Excellence' requirements include (in addition to the basic requirements) critical abilities and the ability to formulate hypothesis for the interpretation of case studies.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Beginning of Classes

February 13, 2018