93153 - Archaeology, Media, and the Public (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will have an in-depth knowledge of the relationship between archaeological research, cultural heritage, media (meaning both traditional and new digital media) and the public. They will be critically aware of the strategies of communication and dissemination of archaeological knowledge adopted by the various people involved in the job of dissemination and enhancement. The knowledge acquired will make students proficient in assessing, monitoring and reporting in the media on communication activities relating to archaeology and the cultural heritage.

Course contents

This course explores how archaeology is communicated in public contexts and across various forms of media. It examines the complex relationships between archaeologists, institutions, communities, and audiences, considering both opportunities and challenges in how archaeological knowledge is constructed and disseminated beyond academia.

Students will engage with case studies from different geographical and cultural contexts, spanning traditional and digital media—from documentaries and museum exhibitions to social media and video games. Through lectures, readings, and group discussions, the course aims to foster critical thinking about the role of archaeology in contemporary society and the ethical responsibilities involved in public engagement.

The first part of the course is dedicated to general aspects of communication in archaeology and to the evolution of dissemination practices over recent decades, with a particular focus on digital technologies.

The topics covered specifically will be:

• Archaeology, media, and public: a first approach
• Public archaeology
• Community Archaeology
• Mass media, academic and public audience
• Traditional media
• Digital transition
• Digital media and dissemination
• Traditional and Digital Media in Archaeology
• Social media in Archaeology
• Innovative trends, tools, and experiences in digital archaeological platforms
• Gaming the past
  

The second part of the course focuses specifically on communication in archaeology, drawing on concrete examples from archaeological projects such as KALAM, UIAP, and others. It explores fieldwork experiences, relationships with the public, and various dissemination strategies at different scales.

To be considered an attending student, at least 75% of the classes must be attended.

For any communication, please use only the teacher's email address MAIL

Readings/Bibliography

List of Main Readings Discussed During Lectures and to Be Prepared for the Final Exam

For texts not available online, students are advised to check the Sistema Bibliotecario di Ateneo LINK or contact the teacher directly.

Additional readings will be provided during the course.

A) Bibliography for Attending and Non-Attending Students

1. Huhtamo, E. & D. Galili. 2020. The pasts and prospects of media archaeology. Early Popular Visual Culture 18. Routledge: 333–39. LINK
2. Moshenska, G. 2017. Key Concepts in Public Archaeology. London: UCL Press. LINK
3. Parikka, J. 2023. What is Media Archaeology, 10 years later. Perspectivas de la Comunicacion 16: 1–10. LINK
4. Schofield, J. 2010. Archaeology and contemporary society: introduction. World Archaeology 42. Taylor & Francis, Ltd.: 325–27. LINK
   

B) Additional Bibliography for Non-Attending Students Only

1. Clark, T. & M. Brittain. 2007. Archaeology and the Media. London & New York: Routledge.
2. Colwell-Chanthaphonh, C. 2010. Archaeology and the Problem of the Public. American Anthropologist 112. Wiley: 144–45. LINK
3. Henson, D. 2013. Digital media and public engagement in archaeology: an opinion piece. Archäologische Informationen 36: 13–20. LINK
4. Kulik, C. 2005. Mediating Archaeology: The Relationship between Archaeology, the Media and the Public in Britain (1996-2002). PhD Thesis, University of Southampton LINK
5. Morgan, C. & E. Stuart. 2012. DIY and digital archaeology: what are you doing to participate? World Archaeology 44: 521-537. LINK
6. Richardson, L.-J. 2014. Public Archaeology in a Digital Ages. PhD. Thesis, UCL LINK

 

 

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and collective discussions based on the assigned readings and topics covered in class.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively in class discussions.

International specialists will be invited to present specific topics and case studies.

The course and lectures taught entirely in English.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral and consists of an assessment of the knowledge acquired during the course through the student's ability to present the course topics in a clear, concise, and critical manner.

A) Attending students may choose between two options:

1. Oral presentation based on:
   i) the topics covered and teaching materials provided during the lectures;
   ii) the exam bibliography for attending students (see above: BIBLIOGRAPHY items A.1–4).
2. Written essay on topics discussed during the course. The oral exam will focus on the content of the essay.
   The topic must be agreed in advance with the teacher and submitted at least two weeks before the scheduled exam date.
   Students are encouraged to follow the template and guidelines available on the VIRTUALE platform.

B) Non-attending students are required to prepare the full list of readings indicated (see above: BIBLIOGRAPHY items A.1-4 + B.1-6).
Students with specific needs may contact the teacherat the beginning of the course to arrange an alternative syllabus.

The grading system (out of 30) will be the same for attending and non-attending students and will be based on the following criteria:

• knowledge of the topics
• clarity of presentation
• ability to summarize complex concepts
• correct use of terminology
• ability to develop and articulate critical, well-structured arguments
• active participation in class discussions (for attending students)

A high level of proficiency in all of the above will be required in order to achieve an excellent grade.

Teaching tools

Lectures and seminars by invited specialists will be accompanied by slides, images, and documents made available to the class on the course’s VIRTUALE platform, along with the bibliography for both attending and non-attending students, in accordance with copyright regulations. Additional readings may be available online or through the University Library System.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible LINK 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 Simone Mantellini