- Docente: Andrea Picin
- Credits: 3
- SSD: BIO/08
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Ravenna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Science for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage (cod. 8537)
Learning outcomes
The course aims to provide the scientific knowledge on prehistoric lithic artefacts and technologies which are fundamental elements of our cultural heritage. A particular focus will be addressed to the material cultures of the last Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens in Europe. At the end of the course, the students will gain the necessary expertize to identify different types of stone materials, understand the rocks fracture mechanics, analyze prehistoric stone tools, and contextualize archaeological artefacts in their chrono-cultural position.
Course contents
The course aims to provide an introduction to Paleolithic archaeology; principles of site‐formation or depositional processes of archaeological sites; site stratigraphy; introduction to lithic analysis; identification of stone raw materials; basics of prehistoric lithic knapping; the chaîne opératoire concept; terminology and typologies of lithic material; lithic artefacts attributes; cores, flakes, and stone tools attributes analysis; basic statistical concepts used in lithic analysis; technological development from the Lower to the Upper Paleolithic; Neanderthals technological stasis and plasticity; Homo sapiens technological innovations.
Readings/Bibliography
Kuhn, S. L. (2020). The evolution of Paleolithic technologies. Routledge.
Tafelmaier, Y., Bataille, G., Schmid, V., Taller, A., Will, M. (2023). Methods for the analysis of stone artefacts: An overview. Springer Wiesbaden.
Teaching methods
The course will be held in the classroom through lectures, during which the topics of the program will be presented and discussed.
Assessment methods
The exam consists of an oral interview during which the student will be required to discuss the topics covered in class or the subjects from the exam texts. The candidate is expected to have an adequate knowledge of key subjects related to Paleolithic Archaeology and the technical behaviors of past hunter-gatherers. The interview will also be an opportunity to assess the candidate's ability to navigate the content of archaeological disciplines.
Final Evaluation Criteria:
• A very thorough knowledge of the topics covered in the course, combined with high critical analysis skills, the ability to make connections, and a strong command of specific terminology, will be awarded the highest marks (30-30L).
• A thorough knowledge of the topics covered in the course, combined with good analytical and critical skills and a strong command of specific terminology, will be awarded good marks (27-29).
• A relatively adequate preparation and sufficient analytical skills, even if not particularly detailed, expressed in correct language, will produce fair evaluations (23-26).
• Sufficient preparation and analytical skills, expressed in just formally correct language, will determine a passing grade (18-22).
Teaching tools
Lectures will be illustrated with powerpoint presentations.
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 Andrea Picin