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

Classes are held in presence. Although not compulsory, attendance is highly recommended. The lecturer, at the specific request of a student (by e-mail), may allow him/her to follow classes remotely via “Teams” platform.

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).
• 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).
• E. C. Harris, Principi di stratigrafia archeologica, Roma 1983 (2012).
• G, Volpe, Archeologia pubblica. Metodi, tecniche, esperienze, Roma 2020.

Further Readings

- D. Manacorda, Il mestiere dell'archeologo, Bari 2020.

- A. Augenti, Scavare nel passato. La grande avventura dell'archeologia, Roma 2020.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVIA PALLECCHI (President)

ELENA SANTORO

FABRIZIO BENENTE (Substitute)

ALICE CAPOBIANCO (Substitute)

ANTONINO FACELLA (Substitute)

SIMONE GIOSUE' MADEO (Substitute)

FABIO NEGRINO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

4 October 2022

Class schedule

METHODOLOGIES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test and an oral interview.
The written test will focus on the main topics, questions and methods of contemporary archaeological research and will include the resolution of some matrix exercises.
Passing the written test is necessary in order to take the oral exam. The written test will be considered passed with the achievement of a mark equal to or greater than 18/30.
The oral exam will start with a discussion of the written test and will continue with an in-depth interview, particularly focused on the topics of archaeological research in the field.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims to ascertain the following aspects of the student's preparation:
- knowledge acquired on the basic topics covered in the course;
- basic knowledge of theoretical and practical methods which characterize contemporary archeology; - in-depth knowledge of the laws and main concepts of archaeological stratigraphy;
- ability to apply the knowledge acquired in the field of stratigraphic theory, through the drafting of a matrix.
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