27280 - Seminars (1) (G.D)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the seminar students will be able to interpret issues related to specific historical phenomena in a diachronic and transversal perspective, thought the elaboration and synthesis of the data coming from the analysis of written records and material sources and from the collective debate originated from the contact with other people. They will be able to formulate autonomously and in an organized way a research path or an intellectual work, using the specific acquired tools with methodological rigour, precision and accuracy.

Course contents

The seminar, based on a historical-critical approach, is aimed at students wishing to deepen their knowledge of ancient monuments. The course aims to provide the methodological criteria necessary for reading and interpreting the architectural ‘text’, developing the theoretical knowledge and basic skills essential for the direct analysis of ancient architecture. Particular attention will be paid to the study of construction elements, building techniques, structural systems and the changes that these structures have undergone over time, with reference to the principles of protection, conservation, restoration and enhancement of cultural heritage.

The seminar will be organised around the following key themes:

• Theory and history of restoration: an overview of the theoretical and methodological principles underpinning the protection, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.

• Historical and critical analysis of ancient monuments: methods and criteria for interpreting the architectural ‘text’ through direct observation of the structure, analysis of historical and documentary sources, and an overview of the main surveying and documentation techniques.

• Materials, building techniques and structural systems: study of building materials, historical building techniques, the main construction and structural systems, and their role in defining the characteristics of ancient architecture.

• The historical building site: site organisation, tradespeople, procurement of materials, construction techniques, machinery and technologies used in the construction, maintenance and alteration of historic buildings.

• Practical exercise (Historical-critical analysis of a monument): individual or group preparation of a report comprising the historical context, a direct analysis of the structure, a study of its construction features, consultation of the main bibliographic and documentary sources, and a concluding critical assessment.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Augenti, Archeologia dell'Italia medievale Roma-Bari 2016 (Laterza).

A. Augenti, Prima lezione di archeologia medievale, Roma-Bari 2020 (Laterza).

M. Bianchini, Le tecniche edilizie nel mondo antico, Roma 2010, (Editrice Dedalo) [https://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/libri-editore_Editrice+Dedalo+Roma-editrice_dedalo_roma.htm]

L. V. Borrelli, Restauro archeologico: Storia e materiali, Roma 2003 (Viella editori).

G. Carbonara, Avvicinamento al restauro, Napoli, 1997( Liguori).

G. Carbonara (a cura di), Trattato di restauro architettonico, 4 voll., Torino 1996 (Utet).

G. Coppola, L’edilizia nel Medioevo, Roma 2015 (Carocci).

C.F. Giuliani, L'edilizia nell’antichità, NIS, Roma 1990; nuova edizione, Roma 2006 (Carocci).

M. Medri, Manuale di rilievo archeologico, Roma-Bari 2003 (Laterza).

U. Menicali, I materiali nell'edilizia storica. Tecnologia e impiego dei materiali tradizionali, Roma 1992 (NIS)

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical and practical sessions, during which the various topics will be explored through case studies, practical exercises and guided visits to building sites, where participants will be able to put the methods previously introduced into practice.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of an assessment of the knowledge acquired during the course, based on the student’s ability to summarise and critically analyse the topics covered in the lectures and in the reading list. The final examination will begin with an individual oral examination on the course topics, followed by a presentation on the practical application topic. The paper on the historical-critical analysis of a monument must be submitted at least one week before the examination session.

Attendance at lectures will make it easier to pass the exam. A student is considered to be attending if they attend at least 75 per cent of the lectures.

AI can be a useful tool to support independent study through in-depth analysis, summaries and self-assessment exercises. With regard to assessment, limited, declared and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (summaries, rephrasing). Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the examination is not permitted.

Teaching tools

The course consists of lectures and visits to Bologna’s historic centre, and will make use of video screenings. At the end of the course, the presentations and handouts will be made available on the course webpage.

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 Nicola Santopuoli