76010 - Research Methods and Topics in Prehistory

Learning outcomes

The course deals to provide students a study in depth of methods and techniques of current prehistoric research, with particular reference to sciences, digital technology and cultural anthropology. Appropriate attention will be devoted to documenting methods of archaeological research from single excavation to landscape analysis.

At the end of the course students will acquire the knowledge to organize a research, according different points of view of the past.

Course contents

The topics of the course will face main methods and tools suitable to the prehistoric reseach. In particular, through the study of environmental aspects and modes of production, students will go in depth main themes of landscape archaeology, classification systems and experimental archaeology.

Lessons will be grouped according following themes:

• Main themes of prehistoric research: demography and social organization; economy and resources exploitation; craft and Exchange; ideology and rituals.
• Landscape as fieldwork through geoarchaeology and reconstruction osf settlement patterns.
• Finds from discovery to tipology, as markers of technology, collective memories and historical dynamics.
• Production and technology: methods of analysis and reconstruction of operational chains; experimental archaeology.

Readings/Bibliography

Guidi A. 2000, Preistoria della complessità sociale, Bari.

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

Reeves Flores J., Paardekooper R.P. (eds) 2014, Experiments Past. Histories of Experimental Archaeology. Leiden, Sidestone Press.

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 Claudio Cavazzuti