00761 - Paleethnology

Learning outcomes

The course deals to introduce students to the study of Prehistory providing the basic knowledge to organize the research and the comprehension of prehistoric contexts.

At the end of the course students will reach the knowledge of theoretical and technical methodology to evaluate and understand themes of the ancient history of man.

Course contents

The course will face general themes of prehistory with particular reference to key points of palethnology. Through the illustration of the most ancient phases of the history it will allow to study in depth following topics:

- chronology and dating methods.

- climatic changes and environment in the prehistory.

- subsistence and economy, from hunters and foragers to the agriculture.

- technological changes and resources exploitation.

- finds and discoveries of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic as introduction to societies with economy based on hunting and collecting.

- finds and discoveries of Neolithic to understand the process of neolithization with the analysis of agriculture and breeding.

- Material culture, settlements and burial customs of Italian Neolithic, with particular reference to Northern Italy.

Readings/Bibliography

Cocchi Genick D. 2009, Preistoria, Quiedit, Verona.

Renfrew C., Bahn P. 2017, Archeologia. Teoria, metodi, pratica, Bologna

Martini F. 2008, Archeologia del Paleolitico, Carocci, Roma.

Pessina A., Tiné V. 2008, Archeologia del Neolitico, Carocci, Roma.

Further texts will be added during the course lessons (single papers of recent editing), available with username and password at AMS Campus - AlmaDL - University of Bologna.

 

Teaching methods

Teaching methods will include lessons with powerpoint to be considered of primary importance for the comprehension of the discipline. Attending the lessons will be evaluated positively.

Assessment methods

For attending students: direct examination by the teacher. Non attending students are required to agree upon an alternative program with the teacher

During the lessons and in the final examination it will be evacuate the capability to understand general themes and to manage the bibliography, with particolar reference to the geographical environments. The mastery of appropriate language and the ability to present will be evaluated with highest consideration.

The unsuccessful knowledge of chronology, historical and geographical background, inappropriate language will be evaluated negatively.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations will be available at the web site of the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Cattani