29916 - Methodology of Archaeological Research (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student delves into the methodological aspects of modern archaeological research, starting from the theoretical assumptions to the technical aspects in which it is articulated. He has adequate knowledge for a correct methodological approach in the setting up and implementation of an archaeological research project: from preliminary prospecting to stratigraphic excavation, from data collection to their classification, from interpretation to the communication of the results.

Course contents

The course offers a broad and articulated perspective on the methodology of archaeological research, from excavation and documentation techniques, to the study and analysis of material finds, to methods of prospecting and territorial survey.

The programme retraces the main stages in the history of the discipline and presents the key concepts underlying modern archaeological research, as well as the methods of collecting, documenting and analysing archaeological traces and evidence in relation to the processes of formation, the conservation environment and the specificities of the context. Dedicated in-depth studies cover the methods, strategies and practice of fieldwork, stratigraphic excavation, reconnaissance and archaeological evaluation, with a focus on modern solutions for non-invasive investigation, documentation and interpretation of data. The theoretical and practical approach of archaeological analysis is also addressed through the discussion of case studies and examples applied to particular contexts.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students, in addition to the course notes, are required to study the following texts for the preparation of the exam:

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn. L’essenziale di archeologia. Teoria, Metodi, Pratiche. Terza Edizione Italiana 2024.

- S. Pallecchi. Archeologia delle tracce. Carocci 2008.

- F. Cambi. Archeologia dei paesaggi antichi: fonti e diagnostica. Carocci 2003.

 

For non-attending students the preparation of the exam requires the study of the following texts:

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn. L’essenziale di archeologia. Teoria, Metodi, Pratiche. Terza Edizione Italiana 2024.

- D. Manacorda. Lezioni di Archeologia. Laterza 2008.

- S. Pallecchi. Archeologia delle tracce. Carocci 2008.

- F. Cambi. Archeologia dei paesaggi antichi: fonti e diagnostica. Carocci 2003.

 

Foreign students who are not sufficiently familiar with Italian are required to study the following texts:

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn. Archaeology. Theory, methods and practice. Thames & Hudson 2020.

- M.O.H. Carver. Archaeological Investigation. Routledge 2009.

- A chosen article published in the e-journal Antiquity(https://antiquity.ac.uk/open).

 

Further bibliographical references

For everyone, the following texts are also suggested, for any optional in-depth analysis:

- M.O.H. Carver. Archaeological Investigation. Routledge 2009.

- M.O.H. Carver. Making Archaeology Happen. Design versus Dogma. Routledge 2011.

- R. Francovich, D. Manacorda (a.c.). Dizionario di archeologia. Temi, concetti e metodi. Laterza 2000.

- P. Carafa. Storie dai contesti. Metodologia e procedure della ricerca archeologica. Mondadori 2021.

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn. Archeologia. Teoria, Metodi e Pratica. Zanichelli 2018.

- A. Carandini. Storie dalla terra. Manuale di scavo archeologico. Einaudi 2010.

- A. Augenti. A come Archeologia. Carocci 2018.

- M. Vidale. Archeologia. Teorie, metodi, strumenti. Carocci 2022.

- E. Giorgi (a.c.). Groma. In profondità senza scavare. Bradypus 2009.

- T. Mannoni, E. Giannichedda. Archeologia della produzione. Einaudi 2003.

- E. Giannichedda. Uomini e cose. Appunti di archeologia. Edipuglia 2006.

- E. Giannichedda. Archeologia Teorica. Carocci 2002.

Teaching methods

The teaching is held in face-to-face lessons, the attendance of which is highly recommended. In-depth seminars are planned with the involvement of experts on specific topics among those scheduled.

The lessons include the use of support teaching material (in particular power points and videos), aimed at facilitating learning and stimulating interest, within which further bibliographical suggestions will be provided, with attention to the most current research and the most up-to-date international scientific journals.

Assessment methods

The verification consists of an oral test, during which knowledge of the contents dealt with during the course, manuals and texts indicated in the bibliography will be evaluated.
In particular, the exam includes three general questions on the sections in which the course is articulated, up to more detailed details on specific aspects of the subject.
The overall assessment, and the final grade, will take into account:

- In-depth knowledge of the contents, ability to synthesize and critical analysis of themes and concepts;
- Ability to know how to orient oneself in the bibliography of reference and that suggested in the lesson;
- Use of specialized language and exhibition mastery;
- Active participation in lectures, seminars and moments of discussion.

Knowledge gaps and/or inappropriate language will be evaluated negatively.

Due to the importance of class attendance, the following evaluation parameters will be adopted for both attending and non-attending students.

A student who attends at least 75% of the lectures is considered to be attending.

Attending students

The student's ability to take an active part in the lessons will be assessed: these abilities, added with the achievement of an exhaustive understanding of the subject matter covered in the lessons, with the demonstration of a critical sense and with adequate means of verbal expression, will be assessed with maximum marks (27-30 with laude).

Attendance at lectures, associated with a predominantly mnemonic acquisition of the subject matter of the course and not fully satisfactory verbal expression and logical skills, will be assessed with marks ranging from good (24-26) to satisfactory (21-23).

Class attendance combined with minimal acquisition of the course subject and inadequate verbal expression and logical ability will be assessed with a score of sufficient (18-20).

The absence of a minimum acquisition of the course subject coupled with verbal expression and inadequate logical skills will be assessed with an insufficient score, which requires retaking the examination.

Non-attending students

Non-attending students will be assessed primarily on their ability to use the bibliography and multimedia tools provided to expound appropriately on the course content. This ability, combined with the achievement of a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter covered in the course of the lectures, with the demonstration of a critical sense and appropriate means of verbal expression, will be assessed with maximum marks (27-30 cum laude).

A predominantly mnemonic acquisition of the subject matter of the course, with verbal expression and logical skills not fully satisfactory, will be assessed with marks between good (24-26) and satisfactory (21-23).

A minimal acquisition of the course subject, with inadequate verbal expression and logical skills, will be assessed with a score of sufficient (18-20).

A minimal acquisition of the course subject combined with inadequate verbal expression and logical skills will be assessed with an insufficient score, which requires retaking the entire examination.

Teaching tools

During the lessons there will be constant use of specially constructed power point presentations specifically dedicated to the topics covered. Video and internet resources will also be used. At the end of the lesson, support material will be made available to students on the Online Teaching platform Virtuale.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office:https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.

Office hours

See the website of Federica Boschi