29916 - Methodology of Archaeological Research (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student delves into the methodological aspects of modern archaeological research, starting from the theoretical assumptions to the technical aspects in which it is articulated. The student has adequate knowledge for a correct methodological approach in the setting up and implementation of an archaeological research project: from preliminary prospecting to stratigraphic excavation, from data collection to their classification, from interpretation to the communication of the results.

Course contents

The course offers a broad and comprehensive overview of the methodology of archaeological research, introducing the theoretical principles and practical tools that underpin contemporary archaeological investigation. It covers the main excavation and documentation techniques, the study and analysis of material remains, as well as methods of archaeological survey and landscape investigation, highlighting their objectives, potential, and methodological limitations.

The programme traces the major stages in the development of archaeology as a discipline and introduces the key concepts that underpin modern archaeological research, with particular attention to the evolution of methodological and interpretative approaches. Special emphasis is placed on the methods of recording, documenting, managing, and analysing archaeological evidence in relation to site formation processes, taphonomic dynamics, preservation conditions, and the specific characteristics of archaeological contexts.

Particular attention is devoted to the methods, strategies, and practice of fieldwork, with a focus on stratigraphic excavation, archaeological field survey, archaeological impact assessment, and procedures for data recording and management. The course also explores recent developments in non-invasive survey techniques, digital technologies for archaeological documentation and data visualization, and the principal tools of spatial and landscape analysis, emphasizing their role in the interpretation of archaeological contexts and the reconstruction of settlement dynamics.

The theoretical and methodological framework is complemented by the discussion of case studies, examples drawn from recent archaeological practice, and practical exercises aimed at developing students' critical skills in the interpretation of archaeological data. The course is designed to provide students with a solid methodological foundation and the skills necessary to understand the entire archaeological research process, from data acquisition and recording to analysis, interpretation, and the dissemination and enhancement of archaeological knowledge.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students, in addition to the course notes, 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. Terza Edizione Italiana 2024.

- G. Volpe. Archeologia. Storia e metodi, paesaggi e persone. Laterza 2026.

 

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

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

- G. Volpe. Archeologia. Storia e metodi, paesaggi e persone. Laterza 2026.

- S. Pallecchi. Archeologia delle tracce. Carocci 2008.

- F. Cambi. Archeologia dei paesaggi antichi: fonti e diagnostica. Carocci 2003.

 

Foreign students who are not sufficiently familiar with Italian are required to study the following texts:

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn. Archaeology. Theory, methods and practice. Thames & Hudson 2020.

- M.O.H. Carver. Archaeological Investigation. Routledge 2009.

- A chosen article published in the e-journal Antiquity (https://antiquity.ac.uk/open).

 

Further bibliographical references

For everyone, the following texts are also suggested, for any optional in-depth analysis:

- M.O.H. Carver. Archaeological Investigation. Routledge 2009.

- M.O.H. Carver. Making Archaeology Happen. Design versus Dogma. Routledge 2011.

- R. Francovich, D. Manacorda (a.c.). Dizionario di archeologia. Temi, concetti e metodi. Laterza 2000.

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

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn. Archeologia. Teoria, Metodi e Pratica. Zanichelli 2018.

- A. Carandini. Storie dalla terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico. Einaudi 2010.

- A. Augenti. A come Archeologia. Carocci 2018.

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

- D. Manacorda. Lezioni di Archeologia. Laterza 2008.

- E. Giorgi (a.c.). Groma. In profondità senza scavare. Bradypus 2009.

- T. Mannoni, E. Giannichedda. Archeologia della produzione. Einaudi 2003.

- E. Giannichedda. Uomini e cose. Appunti di archeologia. Edipuglia 2006.

- E. Giannichedda. Archeologia Teorica. Carocci 2002.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered through lectures, and regular attendance is strongly recommended. The teaching programme also includes seminars led by invited specialists, providing in-depth discussion of selected topics covered in the course.

Lectures are supported by a range of teaching materials, including PowerPoint presentations and videos, designed to facilitate learning and encourage active engagement. Additional bibliographic references will be provided throughout the course, with particular emphasis on recent research and articles published in leading international peer-reviewed journals.

Students wishing to further develop their knowledge may complement the course through practical activities, including laboratory work, archaeological excavation, and field survey, as part of the wide range of training opportunities offered by the Department of History and Cultures and the University.

To learn about opportunities to participate in field research, archaeological excavation campaigns, laboratory activities, landscape surveys, and other educational initiatives, students are invited to regularly consult the dedicated webpages and the communications issued by the research groups.

Links to the Department's Laboratory and Excavation webpage and to the excavation calendars available on the Department of History and Cultures website are provided below:

https://disci.unibo.it/en/research/archaeological-missions

https://disci.unibo.it/en/research/archaeological-missions/achaeological-missions-abroad

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of an oral examination, during which students' knowledge of the topics covered in class, as well as of the required textbooks and readings listed in the bibliography, will be evaluated. In particular, the examination consists of three general questions covering the main sections of the course, followed by more in-depth questions on specific aspects of the subject.

Attendance at lectures will facilitate preparation for and successful completion of the examination. Students who attend at least 75% of the lectures will be considered attending students.

The overall assessment, and the final grade, will take into account:

- In-depth knowledge of the contents, ability to synthesize and critical analysis of themes and concepts;
- Ability to know how to orient oneself in the bibliography of reference and that suggested in the lesson;
- Use of specialized language and exhibition mastery;
- Active participation in lectures, seminars and moments of discussion.

Knowledge gaps and/or inappropriate language will be evaluated negatively.

Due to the importance of class attendance, the following evaluation parameters will be adopted for both attending and non-attending students. 

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.

 

Examination Schedule

Two examination sessions will be offered between November and December 2026, and at least four examination sessions between January and September 2027.

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 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 Federica Boschi