14402 - Prehistory and Protohistory

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will acquire the general outlines about Italian Prehistory and Protohistory. Students will reach a broad competence on this topic through the learning of methods of description, analysis and interpretation of archeareological records.

Course contents

a. Short introduction of early age with hunting and gathering economy (Palaeolithic and Mesolithic); b. The process of neolithization and the introduction of agriculture and breeding; c. The Neolithic in Italy with particular reference to Northern Italy; d. Copper Age in Italy: technological innovation and social change; e. The Bronze Age: the development toward large communities and the control of landscape; f. The Terramare: a case study for the analysis of the society; g. Early Iron Age: the metallurgy of iron and the formation of aristocracy

Readings/Bibliography

Guidi A., Piperno M. (a cura di) Italia preistorica, Bari 1992; Martini F. Archeologia del Paleolitico, Roma, 2008; Pessina A., Tiné V. Archeologia del Neolitico, Roma 2008; Cocchi Genick D. Manuale di preistoria, III. L'età del Rame, Firenze 1996; Bernabò Brea M., Cardarelli A., Cremaschi M. (a cura di) Le Terramare. Catalogo della Mostra, Modena 1997, Milano 1997; Guidi A. Preistoria della complessità sociale, Bari 2000; Cazzella A. Manuale di archeologia. Le società nella preistoria, Bari 1989

Teaching methods

Teaching methods will include: teaching lessons with powerpoint; Discussion of main topics with the participation of experts; visiting tours to the main archaeological museums in the region; Seminars on metholdological approach to the analysis of finds.

Assessment methods

Presentations of topic during session of discussion or direct examination by the teacher. Non attending students are required to agree upon an alternative program with the teacher

Teaching tools

Projector, Personal Computer, Practice sessions on drawing pottery and data management

Links to further information

http://www.archeoserver.it

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Cattani