B1742 - Fieldwork and Laboratories (2) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will have a thorough knowledge of the practical activities relating to the work of the archaeologist through field work experience (excavations and surveys). They will acquire knowledge related to practical activities and develop an independence of judgment when it comes to solving specific problems, or proposing specific projects or research work. Likewise, they will be able to communicate to a diverse public, as well as apply and update their skills within the three areas envisaged by the Programme: historical-artistic and epigraphic, with particular reference to methodology.

Course contents

The Master's Degree Programme in Archaeology offers students the opportunity to complement their theoretical education with practical experience in the field and in the laboratory. In addition to the courses included in the study plan, students may participate in thematic laboratories, applied research activities, and archaeological excavation or field survey campaigns, enabling them to explore specific aspects of the discipline and to develop the technical and methodological skills essential for the archaeological profession.

To obtain the credits for the Fieldwork and Laboratory (1) or Fieldwork and Laboratory (2) activity, students are required to attend:

1. one Laboratory, worth 2 CFU;
2. one Archaeological Excavation activity, worth 4 CFU. The excavation activity normally consists of a two-week excavation season.

Both activities are compulsory in order to obtain the total of 6 CFU assigned to Fieldwork and Laboratory.

Note: Students may obtain the 4 CFU by participating in one of the archaeological excavations organised by the University of Bologna or, subject to prior authorisation by the Coordinator of the Master's Degree Programme, by taking part in an excavation organised by another institution or organisation (see Assessment Methods).

At the end of each activity, students receive an official certificate signed by the laboratory coordinator or the excavation director. Both certificates are required for the official registration of the Fieldwork and Laboratory activity.

How to register for excavations and laboratories:

Department archaeological excavations:
https://corsi.unibo.it/magistrale/archeologia/scavi-archeologici-del-dipartimento-di-archeologia

External archaeological excavations:
https://corsi.unibo.it/magistrale/archeologia/scavi-esterni

Laboratories:
https://corsi.unibo.it/magistrale/archeologia/i-laboratori-didattici

Readings/Bibliography

Students are invited to consult the descriptions of the individual laboratories and the calls for applications relating to archaeological excavation activities for the specific bibliography and any preparatory materials required to participate in each educational activity.

Teaching methods

The Fieldwork and Laboratory (1) and Fieldwork and Laboratory (2) activity consists exclusively of practical work carried out in the laboratory and in the field.

Given the nature of the activities and the teaching methods adopted, attendance requires the completion of Modules 1 and 2 of the mandatory health and safety training delivered through e-learning, as well as participation in Module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study environments. Completion of the mandatory training is a prerequisite for participation in laboratory and excavation activities.

Information on the dates and attendance arrangements for Module 3 is available on the webpage dedicated to mandatory health and safety training:
https://corsi.unibo.it/2cycle/Archaeology/health-and-safety-mandatory-training

Assessment methods

Both Fieldwork and Laboratory (1) and Fieldwork and Laboratory (2) activities consists exclusively of practical work, and attendance is compulsory. For any clarification or further information, students are invited to contact the course instructor by email.

Once students have obtained the certificates for one laboratory (2 CFU) and one excavation activity (4 CFU), they must register for one of the examination sessions through AlmaEsami and send the certificates to the Course instructor by email (Prof. Andrea Gaucci for Fieldwork and Laboratory (1) and Prof. Maurizio Cattani for Fieldwork and Laboratory (2)). Registration for an examination session is required solely for the purpose of recording the credits; attendance at the examination session is not required.

Students who have completed an archaeological excavation outside the University of Bologna must also submit the authorisation already signed by the Coordinator of the Master's Degree Programme together with the certificate issued for the excavation activity.

Teaching tools

For further information, please refer to the Degree Programme webpage.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Cattani