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

Learning outcomes

During this lesson, students will look at the methodology of modern archeology research, starting with theory and then getting into the technical aspects of working in the field. Students will learn to use correct methodology in setting up and carrying out a research project, from the preliminary prospective to excavation, from gathering data to classifying it, from interpretation to communication of the results.

Course contents

The study course is organized in 3 sections.

The first section is a general overview, the others are dedicated to some specific aspects linked to the activities of the Archeology Labs, such as the Topography Lab and the Materials Lab coordinated by Chiara Mattioli (http://www.storia-culture-civilta.unibo.it/it/attivita-didattica/laboratori-didattici/laboratorio-di-archeologia-1).

This course, in fact, is closely linked, due to its themes, with the Archeology Labs of the same department and it is therefore recommended that students attend both this course and the labs at the same time.

In the first of the three sections of the course, a summary of the most modern and innovative methodologies will be presented of both research and documentation in an archeological context using several case studies (site rather than territory, a stratified excavation rather than surface analysis) and to the kind of research (emergency archeology or urban archeology rather than long term systematic research). Furthermore, the techniques necessary for putting together a research project will be explained, starting with preventative archeology and moving on to excavations and their documentation. In conclusion, some of the problems of being an archeologist will be discussed: collaborating with Superintendencies, museums, local entities, safety on the job and professional outlets.

In the second section, using case studies, the main aspects of techniques used in documenting the topography of archeological sites will be discussed.

In the third section, we will look at the problems in documenting cultural material with a specific look at ceramics: from the excavation of relics on site to their classification and study in the lab.

Readings/Bibliography

Besides attending lessons, for the exam students must be familiar with the following texts:

- E. Giorgi (a c.), In profondità senza scavare. Metodologie di indagine non invasiva e diagnostica per l'archeologia (Groma 2/2009), Bologna 2009 (in particolare capitoli 3.1; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.8; 5.1; 7; 10. Si raccomanda anche la consultazione delle schede a supporto dei vari capitoli);

- C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, L'essenziale di archeologia. Teoria-Metodi-Pratica, Bologna 2009.

- N. Cuomo di Caprio, Ceramica in archeologia 2. Antiche tecniche di lavorazione e moderni metodi di indagine, Roma 2007 (in particolare pp. 29-39, 573-578; 655-656).

- 1 article selected in: http://groma.unibo.it/

students who have not attended lessons must also study:

- S. Pallecchi, Archeologia delle Tracce, Roma 2008;

- E. Giannichedda, Archeologia Teorica, Roma 2002;

- G. Bonora, P.L. Dall'AGlio, S. Patitucci, G. Uggeri, La Topografia Antica, Bologna 2000, pp. 135-164, pp. 177-241.

The following books may be useful for further study on your own:

- C. Corsi, B. Splapsak, F. Vermeulen (a c.), Good Practice in Archeological Diagnostics. Non Invasive Survey of Complex Archaeological Sites, Gent 2013;

- M.O.H. Carver, Archaeological Investigation, New York 2009 (anche ebook);

- M.O.H. Carver, Making archaeology happen: design versus dogma, London 2011;

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

- E. Giannichedda, Uomini e cose: appunti di archeologia, Bari 2006;

- F. C. Giuliani, L'edilizia nell'antichità, Roma 2006;

- C. Tronchetti, Metodo e strategie dello scavo archeologico, Roma 2003.

- D. Manacorda, Lezioni di archeologia, Bari 2008.

- M. Vidale, Che cos'è l'etnoarcheologia, Roma 2004

- M. Cremaschi, Manuale di geoarcheologia, Bari 2000.

Teaching methods

The lectures will be similar to labs, designed to create dialogue, and will contain many examples (with the help of topographic instruments and technology and with the involvement of experts of the various techniques). Some readings will be assigned that will need to be critically assessed by the students (short essays), taken from the most recent issues of available specialized magazines both in hard copy and online at the libraries of the Archeology Department, such as: Antiquity (http://journal.antiquity.ac.uk/); Groma (http://groma.unibo.it/); Journal of Field Archaeology (http://www.maneyonline.com/loi/jfa).

Assessment methods

The exam will be an oral exam with questions on the main themes discussed in the three sections of the class. There will also be a discussion on the themes address in the article chosen by the student on methodology (as mentioned in the section on teaching methods). In order to pass the exam, students must show they have understood the issues discussed and must be able to identify the right methodology for different archeological contexts while using the correct terminology for this field.

Teaching tools

There will be a lot of examples made throughout the class along with the use of various archeological instruments (topography, technology, etc…). When possible, there will be the opportunity to take part in archeological digs or labs run by the professors. For the students doing the Laurea Magistrale there will be the Archeology Labs Level 2 (http://www.storia-culture-civilta.unibo.it/it/attivita-didattica/laboratori-didattici/laboratorio-di-archeologia-1).

Links and further information

http://www.storia-culture-civilta.unibo.it/it/ricerca/attivita-editoriale/editoria-digitale/groma

Links to further information

http://www.storia-culture-civilta.unibo.it/it/ricerca/attivita-editoriale/editoria-digitale/groma

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Giorgi