85154 - Archaeological Theory in Practice. From Excavation to the Public.

Course contents

The course explores the methods and techniques of archaeological research, with particular emphasis on the integration of traditional approaches and innovative tools for the investigation, documentation, and interpretation of archaeological evidence.

Following an introduction to the methodological principles of archaeology and the processes involved in the formation of the archaeological record, the programme examines the different stages of research, from project design and field investigation to the presentation and dissemination of research results. Key topics include stratigraphic excavation methods, systems for data recording, management and documentation, sampling strategies, and the methodologies used in the study of artefacts and ecofacts, with particular attention to their potential for reconstructing the settlement, economic and cultural dynamics of past societies.

Special attention is given to the methods and techniques employed in the assessment and characterization of archaeological potential through the integrated use of documentary sources, field survey, non-invasive prospection techniques, remote sensing, geophysical survey, and digital recording methodologies. The course also covers the criteria for developing appropriate investigation and intervention strategies in relation to the characteristics of archaeological contexts and the objectives of the research.

Finally, selected case studies are analysed to discuss the application of current methodologies and technologies, highlighting their potential, limitations, and fields of application in archaeological research, preventive archaeology, and the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students

In addition to the course notes, attending students are required to study the following texts for the preparation of the exam:

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, E. DeMarrais. L’essenziale di archeologia. Teoria, Metodi, Pratiche. Zanichelli. Terza Edizione Italiana 2024.

- F. Boschi. Archeologia senza scavo. Geofisica e indagini non invasive. Bononia University Press 2020.

 

Non-attending students

For non-attending students the preparation of the exam requires the study of the following texts:

1) C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, E. DeMarrais. L’essenziale di archeologia. Teoria, Metodi, Pratiche. Zanichelli. Terza Edizione Italiana 2024.

2) One of the following textbooks (student's choice):

- M. Vidale. Archeologia. Teorie, metodi, strumenti. Carocci 2022.

- P. Carafa. Storie dai contesti. Metodologia e procedure della ricerca archeologica. Mondadori Education 2021.

Teaching methods

The teaching is held in face-to-face lessons, the attendance of which is highly recommended. In-depth seminars are planned with the involvement of experts on specific topics among those scheduled.
The lessons include the use of support teaching material (in particular power points and videos), aimed at facilitating learning and stimulating interest, within which further bibliographical suggestions will be provided, with attention to the most current research and the most up-to-date international scientific journals.

Assessment methods

The examination will consist of an oral exam, the purpose of which is to assess the acquisition of basic knowledge in the field of archaeological research methodology, the topics discussed in the lecture and the reference bibliography. The acquisition of specialist language will be assessed very positively.
The aim of the examination is also to verify the methodological and critical skills acquired by the student. Given the importance of attending lectures, the following assessment parameters will be adopted for both attending and non-attending students.

A student who attends at least 75% of the lectures is considered to be attending.

Attending students

The student's ability to take an active part in the lessons will be assessed: these abilities, added with the achievement of an exhaustive understanding of the subject matter covered in the lessons, with the demonstration of a critical sense and with adequate means of verbal expression, will be assessed with maximum marks (27-30 with laude).

Attendance at lectures, associated with a predominantly mnemonic acquisition of the subject matter of the course and not fully satisfactory verbal expression and logical skills, will be assessed with marks ranging from good (24-26) to satisfactory (21-23).

Class attendance combined with minimal acquisition of the course subject and inadequate verbal expression and logical ability will be assessed with a score of sufficient (18-20).

The absence of a minimum acquisition of the course subject coupled with verbal expression and inadequate logical skills will be assessed with an insufficient score, which requires retaking the examination.

Non-attending students

 Non-attending students will be assessed primarily on their ability to use the bibliography and multimedia tools provided to expound appropriately on the course content. This ability, combined with the achievement of a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter covered in the course of the lectures, with the demonstration of a critical sense and appropriate means of verbal expression, will be assessed with maximum marks (27-30 cum laude).

A predominantly mnemonic acquisition of the subject matter of the course, with verbal expression and logical skills not fully satisfactory, will be assessed with marks between good (24-26) and satisfactory (21-23).

A minimal acquisition of the course subject, with inadequate verbal expression and logical skills, will be assessed with a score of sufficient (18-20).

A minimal acquisition of the course subject combined with inadequate verbal expression and logical skills will be assessed with an insufficient score, which requires retaking the entire examination.

Teaching tools

During the lessons there will be constant use of specially constructed power point presentations specifically dedicated to the topics covered. Video and internet resources will also be used. At the end of the lesson, support material will be made available to students on the Online Teaching platform Virtuale.

Students who are affected by learning disability (DSA) and in need of special strategies to compensate it, are kindly requested to contact the Teacher, in order to be referred to the colleagues in charge and get proper advice and instructions.

Office hours

See the website of Federica Boschi