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

1. Principles of archaeological stratigraphy.  2. Field collection and documentation of archaeological data.
3. Finds analysis and preliminary restoration. 4. Quantification system and finds sampling for archaeometrical analysis.

Readings/Bibliography

- M. Carver, Making Archaeology happen: Design versus Dogma, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA, 2011. - C. Orton, P. Tyers, A. Vince, Pottery in Archaeology, Cambridge University Press, 1993. - E.C. Harris, Principles of Archaeological Stratigraphy, London, 1989.

Assessment methods

Oral examination: the examination consists of questions concerning the course program as developed during classroom lectures and laboratory sessions. At the end the teacher assigns a score (max 30/30 cum laude) that reflects student's degree of preparation

Teaching tools

Courses and seminars providing a basic understanding of principles of collection in archaeology and site management as well as new approaches in historical science.

Practice in the Laboratory of Archaoelogy, managing finds and sampling data for new analysis.

 

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Cirelli