98914 - Environmental Archaeology (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the methodologies used to understand environmental transformations in the past and how humans related to the environment in their daily economic activities. In particular, the course will address topics related to the analysis of naturalistic finds for the study of climate, environment, diet, subsistence economy, and methods of land exploitation over time. At the end of the course, the student will be able to correctly address issues related to the treatment, documentation, analysis of bioarchaeological material for a comprehensive reconstruction of pre-protohistoric and historical sites.

Course contents

The topics covered will be:

• The relationship between man and the environment from historical sources
• Botanical nomenclature
• Climate and biomes for the study of current vegetation
• Glacialism and its impact on human life
• Ecological variations in the Quaternary
• The modification of fauna during the Quaternary and in the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition
• Plant macroremains for the study of nutrition and the environment
• The processes of neolithization and the study of food sources pre and post domestication
• Textile plants
• Ritual plants

No prior knowledge is required.

The lecturer also serves as the coordinator of the Archaeobotany Laboratory, where practical activities will be conducted with a focus on the analysis of archaeobotanical plant remains. Information regarding enrollment is available on the Degree Programme website.

Readings/Bibliography

Di Pasquale G., 2011. Che cos’è l’archeobotanica. Carocci editore.

Carra M., 2025. Semi, frutti e alimentazione in archeologia. Metodologia della ricerca e casi studio. Bononia University Press, Bologna.

Further handouts will be available on Virtuale

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and ppt (available on Virtuale).

Attendance is highly recommended

Assessment methods

Regular attendance will make it easier to successfully pass the examination. A student is considered attending if they participate in at least 75% of the classes.

Oral examination

The exam topics will be:

- the text in the bibliography

- The handouts and presentations on Vituale

- A research (bibliographic or laboratory stage) to be agreed with the teacher.

Supplementary material will be provided to non-attending students, who should contact the teacher.

The evaluation will take into account the following parameters:

• Knowledge of the contents and concepts, together with a good ability to express themselves will be evaluated very positively (30L-27)
• A fair knowledge of the topics covered and correct expression will lead to fair evaluations (26-23)
• Correct but not particularly articulated speeches and poor knowledge of the contents will determine sufficiency (22-18)

Exam sessions are held monthly/bimonthly depending on the period.

Teaching tools

Students are strongly encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate their suitability in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

As for learning assessment, the use of AI is permitted only if declared, according to University policies.

Office hours

See the website of Marialetizia Carra