Ateneo - UPO

Principles of Archaeological Research Methodology

Attending students: 1) "Appunti del corso" e relative immagini; 2) C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, "L'essenziale di archeologia. Teoria, metodi, pratiche", seconda edizione italiana condotta sulla terza inglese, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2016: capitoli 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8; 3) D. Manacorda, "Il sito archeologico: fra ricerca e valorizzazione", Roma, Carocci, 2007 (o altre successive ristampe), capitoli 4 e 5.Not attending students: 1) Appunti del corso e relative immagini; 2) C. Renfrew, P. Bahn, "L'essenziale di archeologia. Teoria, metodi, pratiche", seconda edizione italiana condotta sulla terza inglese, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2016: capitoli 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8. 3) D. Manacorda, "Il sito archeologico: fra ricerca e valorizzazione", Roma, Carocci, sesta ristampa della prima edizione, 2007 (o altre successive ristampe), integrale. 4) D. Manacorda, "Prima lezione di archeologia", Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2004.Recommended readings:G. Volpe, "Archeologia pubblica. Metodi, tecniche, esperienze", Roma, Carocci, 2020 (o edizioni successive)S. Beltramo, "Stratigrafia dell’architettura e ricerca storica", Roma, Carocci, 2009A. Cagnana, "Archeologia dei materiali da costruzione", Mantova, SAP, 2000G.P. Brogiolo, A. Cagnana, "Archeologia dell'architettura. Metodi e interpretazioni", Firenze, All'Insegna del Giglio, 2012

In alignment with the Educational Objectives of the Degree Programme as outlined in the SUA-CdS, and with specific reference to the historical, geographical, and cultural heritage areas, this module aims to:
** Basic Level
OF1 (Knowledge and understanding) – Provide foundational knowledge regarding the history of archaeology, the main methods of archaeological research, and the tools for survey, excavation, documentation, dating, analysis, and enhancement of archaeological heritage.
OF2 (Applying knowledge and understanding) – Develop the ability to recognise and contextualise the most appropriate investigative tools for the archaeological study of contexts, structures, and artefacts.
OF3 (Transversal skills) – Develop the ability to synthesise, with clarity of expression, the current state of knowledge regarding the topics covered throughout the course.

** Advanced Level
OF4 (Knowledge and understanding) – Provide in-depth knowledge of the topics covered, outlining the major methodological issues in contemporary archaeology, with detailed focus on current national and international academic debates.
OF5 (Applying knowledge and understanding) – Develop the ability to integrate the acquired methodological knowledge into the broader historical and scientific framework of archaeological research, both on a national and international level.
OF6 (Transversal skills) – Develop the ability to critically interpret the acquired content, evaluating the contribution of material sources to historical reconstruction—also as a means to independently investigate specific topics—as well as to communicate content and personal reflections using appropriate scientific and scholarly language.

The 6 ECTS credits earned during the course are distributed as follows:
1.5 ECTS credits (36 contact hours) of direct teaching (didattica erogativa - DE), including interactive sessions (see "Teaching Methods");
4.5 ECTS credits of independent study.

For a full understanding of the course and to successfully pass the exam, a basic historical knowledge is required, particularly of the ancient and medieval world. This should be based on prior learning from secondary education and standard textbook coverage, enabling a correct chronological contextualisation of the specific topics addressed throughout the course.

Teaching and learning activities are conducted through:
- lectures dedicated to illustrating theoretical content, the main methods of archaeological research, and their fields of application;
- teacher-led analysis of images, contexts, structures, artefacts, and archaeological documentation, aimed at developing the ability to recognise, contextualise, and interpret material evidence;
- educational field trips to museums and archaeological sites, aimed at applying the acquired knowledge through the direct observation of archaeological contexts and their related documentation and enhancement methods;
- teacher-led discussions on case studies and major methodological trends, designed to develop skills in critical analysis, argumentation, and scholarly debate; independent study of the materials assigned by the teacher.
For attending students, lecture notes prepared by the teacher and the iconographic repertoire used during classes will be made available on the DIR platform (Virtual Learning Environment). These materials also serve as the primary learning support for non-attending students. The exam bibliography supplements the teaching materials and allows for the in-depth study of specific topics in archaeological research, fostering the acquisition of independent study methods, engagement with scientific literature, and the use of specialised terminology. Furthermore, interactive discussions will take place during lectures, aimed at consolidating content comprehension, developing independent judgment, and enhancing presentation and communication skills.

This course shares lectures with (mutua) Archaeological Research Methodologies 1 and Post-Classical Archaeology 1. The case studies addressed will predominantly feature Late Antique and Medieval contexts, in order to provide some fundamentals of the shared discipline. The course is also offered for the Master's Degree Programme in Philology and Cultural Heritage. Students who have already taken this course during their Bachelor's Degree studies are required to contact the teacher.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities (DSA) or Special Education Needs (BES) can request specific services and tools dedicated to them via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili- e-dsa Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the teacher in charge of the course to define the examination modalities concerning academic aspects.

The exam consists of an oral interview comprising at least three questions, which includes the identification and discussion of images related to methodologies, contexts, structures, and artefacts covered during the course. To prepare for the exam, students must refer to the teaching materials specified by the teacher in this Course Syllabus.
Assessment is graded on a 30-point scale. The interview aims to verify the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, with particular reference to:
- knowledge and understanding of the discipline's core content, through the analytical description of the topics covered, and the explanation of research methodologies, the main methods of archaeological research, and their fields of application. Evaluation weight: up to 18 points;
- the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, through the identification, spatio-temporal contextualisation, and interpretation of the most appropriate research methodologies and their application to different archaeological contexts. Evaluation weight: up to 6 points;
- transversal skills, through a discussion aimed at verifying the ability to compare different interpretative models (Making judgements), to present content coherently using subject-specific terminology (Communication skills), and to independently establish connections between contexts, methodologies, and the exam bibliography (Learning skills). Evaluation weight: up to 6 points.
To achieve a passing grade (sufficienza), students must demonstrate a knowledge of the foundational content of the course, recognise and contextualise the main methodologies of archaeological research and their relative fields of application, discuss the major issues addressed during the course, and present them correctly using the basic terminology of the discipline.
For an intermediate grade, students are required to show an adequate ability to apply their knowledge, critically discuss the primary methodological interpretations, and establish connections between the topics covered.
For a high grade, students must demonstrate an in-depth and critically re-elaborated knowledge of the content, the ability to independently contextualise the examined investigative methods within the broader historical and scientific framework, argue their evaluations based on archaeological evidence and scientific bibliography, and present the content with full mastery of specialised terminology.
Honors (cum laude) are awarded to students who, in addition to fully meeting all expected learning outcomes, demonstrate exceptional critical independence, skills in synthesis and linking themes, contexts, and methodologies, as well as absolute mastery of the discipline's scientific language.

The course offers a general overview of archaeological research methodologies and their fields of application. • Learning Unit 1: History of Archaeology • Learning Unit 2: Remote sensing and non-invasive investigations (geophysical surveys) • Learning Unit 3: Principles of archaeological stratigraphy • Learning Unit 4: Excavation, relative documentation, and post-excavation • Learning Unit 5: Issues of relative and absolute chronology, dating methods • Learning Unit 6: Principles of archaeometry • Learning Unit 7: Urban archaeology and archaeology of architecture • Learning Unit 8: Funerary archaeology
"Integration of the Gender Dimension" Within the framework of Learning Unit 1, the role of women in the development of modern archaeology will be addressed.

Upon completing the course, in alignment with the contents of the SUA-CdS, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes and will be able to:
** Basic Level
RAA.1 (Knowledge and understanding) – Demonstrate knowledge of the history of archaeology, the main methods of archaeological research, and the tools for survey, excavation, documentation, dating, analysis, and enhancement of archaeological heritage.
RAA.2 (Applying knowledge and understanding) – Recognise methodologies, contexts, structures, artefacts, and archaeological documentation covered during the course, describing their main characteristics and identifying the most appropriate investigative methods for study.
RAA.3 (Transversal skills) – Compare the main historical positions discussed in class (with particular reference to the concepts of transformation and continuity), present the acquired archaeological contexts in a clear and orderly manner using the foundational vocabulary of the discipline, and use course texts and materials to independently organise their own study.

** Advanced Level
RAA.4 (Knowledge and understanding) – Critically understand the main methods of archaeological research, interpreting archaeological evidence through survey, excavation, documentation, dating, and analysis techniques, and evaluating their potential, limitations, and fields of application in light of the main methodological trends of the discipline.
RAA.5 (Applying knowledge and understanding) – Contextualise methodologies, sites, structures, artefacts, and archaeological documentation within the broader historical and scientific framework of archaeological research, developing comparisons between different case studies and different territorial contexts.
RAA.6 (Transversal skills) – Critically compare the main solutions currently adopted, with particular reference to stratigraphic excavation, archaeological documentation, and dating methods; organise a coherent and well-structured presentation using the specialised vocabulary of the discipline with propriety; independently identify bibliographical tools useful for deepening specific topics and connecting contexts, materials, and historical phenomena.