08482 - Archaeological Research Methodology

Learning outcomes

The course provides an introduction to archaeological field methods and techniques. Topics will include: methods of archaeological survey, techniques of excavation; analysis of archaeological and bioarchaeological materials as sources for the study and understanding of past societies.
After completing the course the student is able to deal with an archaeological excavation. She/He is able to record archaeological sites, to understand the potential of the different classes of archaeological materials.

Course contents

The course will focus on the main topics of modern archaeological research with emphasyis on metodhologies of excavation, survey, and especially in the field of analysis and interpretation of archaeological data.

Readings/Bibliography

Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E. L'essenziale di Archeologia, Zanichelli, 3rd italian edition, 2024.

Tronchetti C., Metodo e strategie dello scavo archeologico, Carocci 2003.

Teaching methods

The course is based on lectures dealing with the program topics.

Assessment methods

The evaluation consists of an oral exam on the course program. The student must show that he/she has acquired adequate general and systematic knowledge of the various topics and has mastered the scientific and methodological tools necessary for a reasoned analysis of the program subjects.

Gradation of the final grade

A very thorough knowledge of the topics addressed in the course program, together with high skills of critical analysis, ability to use specific archaeological terminology will be evaluated with the maximum score (30-30 cum laude).

A thorough knowledge of the topics addressed in the course program, together with good analytical and critical skills, proficiency of specific archeological terminology will be evaluated with good marks (27-29).

Relatively adequate preparation and sufficient analytical skills, even if not particularly articulated, expressed in correct language, will produce fair evaluations (23-26).

Sufficient preparation and analytical skills, expressed in barely formally correct language, will determine the sufficiency (18-22)

Teaching tools

Lectures will be illustrated with powerpoint presentations.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Curci

See the website of Marialetizia Carra