66932 - Methodologies for the Conservation of the Archaeological Heritage

Learning outcomes

The course examines case studies involving the use of scientific methodologies for solving specific problems of characterization and evaluation of the conservation state forming the basis for the appropriate restoration and conservation of archaeological artifacts. These investigations are fundamental in relation to the historical and documentary research that accompanies the methodological study.

At the end of the course the student is able to address these problems following the phases of excavation, knowledge and intervention for the protection and enhancement of historical-archaeological artifacts.

Course contents

The course deals specifically with those scientific methodologies – primarily but not exclusively non-destructive - which allow one to understand and assess the materials constituting artifacts of archaeological interest and the environment in which they are located and conserved. The aim is thus to be able to carry out the necessary intervention for the protection and valorisation of said artefacts. The subjects and case studies are discussed in the book series entitled “I Beni culturali e l'ambiente” and the historical-technical journal “Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage”. The course uses blended e-learning and gives 3 University Credits (15 hours) for lectures and 3 University Credits (15 hours) for online lessons according to the following programme also available on the University e-learning website:

· Introduction to the course (1 University Credit for presence)

· Scientific methodologies for the study of archaeological heritage (1 University Credit for presence)

· The technical-diagnostic and economic financial assessment of a heritage artifact (1 University Credit for presence)

· Case study: the historical, logistic and technical study in the archaeological site of Barikot (Pakistan); (1 University Credit online)

· Case study: examination of clay arulas from Mozia (TP); the industrial research project "Blu Archeosys". Information, documentation and certification of the punic amphorae from the Museo Baglio Anselmi in Marsala (TP) (1 University Credit online)

· The book series “I Beni culturali e l'ambiente” and the historical-technical journal “Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage” (1 University Credit for presence)

Readings/Bibliography

1. S. Lorusso, B. Schippa, Le metodologie scientifiche per lo studio dei beni culturali. Diagnosi e valutazione tecnico-economica, Pitagora Editrice, Bologna, 2004, (2° Ed.) Traduit et adapté in La methodologie scientifique appliqué a l'étude des biens culturels E.R.E.C. Editeur, Paris, 1999

2. S. Lorusso, C. Matteucci, A. Natali Il mercato dell'arte e le case d'asta: valutazione diagnostico-analitica e economico-finanziaria. L'autentico, il falso, il riprodotto nel settore dei beni culturali, Pitagora editrice, Bologna, 2010

3. S. Lorusso, Caratterizzazione, tecnologia e conservazione dei manufatti tessili, Pitagora editrice, Bologna, 2007

Historical-technical journal, Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, edited by the Dipartimento di Beni Culturali, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna at Ravenna, the Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche University of Palermo, the Centro di progettazione, design e tecnologie dei materiali (CETMA) of Brindisi, the Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statisticaof the University Ca' Foscari of Venice, the Faculty of Artsof Lomonosov State University of Moscow, the A.B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, the Centre “Ecology and Health”Moscow, and the Complutense Universityof Madrid. (Scientific editor: S. Lorusso).

Teaching methods

• Lectures and online lectures (blended learning)
• Practical lectures in the Diagnostic Laboratory for Cultural Heritage

Assessment methods

Verification of learning is assessed by means of an oral exam which aims to establish knowledge described in the course programme.

The additional purpose of the oral exam is to provide further assessment information regarding the learning of teaching methods and motivation for selection of this course. 

Teaching tools

Link e learning object  www.moodle.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Lorusso