37491 - Principles of Collections and Site Management

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire a framework for understanding collections and site management, as well as the current issues and future trends in these fields that will allow him/her to:- describe the object, collection, museum and/or site, in terms of function, classification, context and cultural value;- identify the role of those involved with museums and sites, and be familiar with their general organisational structures;- understand the processes involved in collections and site management, as well as the specific duties of both collections and site managers;- understand the role of conservation scientists in both collections and site management;- basic knowledge related with structures, methods and conditions of exhibition practices, from the beginning of the 20th century up today, as a strategic period to develop and refine curatorial intelligence, designer invention, artistic improvisation and visitor inspiration.

Course contents

The course will focus on the evolution of the concept of archaeology during the centuries. A second part will take into consideration the different typologies of the archeological investigation in the field. Finally, the third section will focus on the concept of archaeological site.

Readings/Bibliography

M.O.H. Carver, Archaeological Investigation, Routledge, London-New York 2009: chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

C. Orton, P. Tyers, A. Vince, Pottery in Archaeology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1993, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral colloquium, conceived in order to evaluate the accomplishment of the main targets of the course. The final mark is the average of the evaluation of the answers concerning three specific topics which were part of the program.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Augenti