B1738 - Paleolithic Archaeology (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide an overview of the archaeological evidence of human behavioral evolution from the Lower Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic. It will focus not only on material documentation and its interpretation but also on understanding the paleoanthropological and genetic evidence of hunter-gatherers. The course is designed to provide the intellectual tools necessary for independent and original reflection on human dispersion and settlement throughout prehistory, as well as to understand the characteristics of various prehistoric cultures in relation to climatic and environmental changes. Additionally, the course aims to provide a preliminary knowledge of analytical research tools and research methodologies in prehistoric archaeology.

Course contents

The course aims to provide an introduction to the earliest phases of Prehistory, from the Lower Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic, in Africa and Eurasia. By the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge of the essential elements of human evolution and the interpretation of settlement choices, subsistence strategies, technological innovations, and cultural manifestations of prehistoric hunter-gatherers.

Readings/Bibliography

Martini F., Archeologia del Paleolitico, Carocci, 2a ed., 2019

di Lernia S., Archeologia africana, Carocci, 2017

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 the main issues related to each chronological period, with particular reference to the themes of environment, economy, and social organization of past communities. The interview will also be an opportunity to assess the candidate's ability to navigate the contents 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 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 Andrea Picin