RESEARCH METHODS FOR ARCHAEOLOGY

The course is intended to offer introductory knowledge about archaeology as a scientific discipline. Particularly, it will convey an overview of the main theoretical approaches and will present the methods and techniques for extracting relevant historical information from the archaeological record.
It will provide a wide background for planning and carrying out archaeological investigations, starting from site identification, mapping, and monitoring via remote sensing, spatial analyses, artificial intelligence, and ground surveys, and going all the way down to topography, stratigraphic excavation, material culture studies, object biographies, and archaeometry. Selected topics in research ethics, and public engagement will also be discussed.
A significant focus will be placed on the challenges and opportunities involved in applying digital and analytical approaches to archaeological heritage. Particular attention will be given to the incompleteness of available evidence, issues related to weathering and preservation, and the complexities of sample selection, sampling strategies, and the statistical significance of acquired data.
The course includes visits to the Este Museum and a specialized archaeological restoration lab, where students will have the opportunity to engage directly with experienced professionals. Practical sessions will cover sediment characterization (including color and texture analysis), and the stereomicroscopic examination of archaeological glass samples.
Students will have the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary MA theses focusing on the reconstruction of technology, raw materials, provenance, function, or weathering processes of selected archaeological objects from excavations or collections, including pottery, glass, obsidian, faience, metals, bone, and more. This opens pathways for integrating archaeological research with material science and conservation practice, fostering a cross-disciplinary understanding of cultural heritage.

• To become familiar with the basic procedures and techniques of the modern archaeological research for the study of landscapes, sites, and material culture.
• To acquire the specific vocabulary for understanding, presenting, and discussing archaeological data.
• To select, synthesize, and organize archaeological data derived from multiple sources of information.
• To understand the responsibilities and ethical obligations when working with archaeological remains.
• To appreciate the diversity of archaeological projects and approaches, and their relevance in the modern society.
• To apply the knowledge acquired in a way that is critical, autonomous, and self-aware.
• To develop logical-argumentative skills for building a discourse that is relevant, clear, effective, and personal.
• To improve the ability to present one’s own work to multiple audiences both in oral and written format.

The course does not require specific pre-requisites.

1) What is archaeology?
Course introduction;
Archaeology in popular culture vs archaeology as a science;
Archaeological interpretations I: limits, potential, bias;
History of archaeology and main theoretical approaches.

2) Archaeological landscapes
Earth observations for archaeology: active and passive systems;
Spaceborne, airborne, and UAV-borne sensors;
Archaeological interpretations II: image classification and AI for archaeology.

3) Fieldwork
From topography to ground & aerial surveys;
Stratigraphy and formation process (Harris Matrix);
Excavation tools and practice.

4) Material Culture Studies
Typo-chronological seriation;
Object agency and biographies;
Archaeology of Production: basic concepts.

5) Lab research
Archaeological questions and archaeometric answers (provenance, raw materials, technology, authentication);
Archaeometry of pyro-technological products (pottery, faience, glass, or metals) or principles and case studies for authenticating of archaeological objects.

6) … And Archaeology for All
Ethics;
Public Archeology.

Reference manual
Renfrew, C. and Bahn P. 2020, Archaeology: Theories, Methods, Practice, Thames & Hudson, London (8th edition).

Further suggested volumes and papers will be mentioned throughout the lessons.

In addition to the textbook, a series of readings will be offered for download on Moodle in view of dedicated class discussions. Moreover, the slides of the lessons will be shared on Moodle and will constitute integral part of the study materials.

People who will not be able to attend the lessons are kindly asked to contact me for a list of supplementary readings.

Participation and interactivity;
In-class presentation;
Final examination (written assignment, further instructions will be discussed in class).

written and oral

• 6/30 Participation and interactivity;
• 9/30 In-class presentation;
• 15/30 Final examination (written assignment, further instructions will be discussed in class).

The students who will not be able to participate regularly to the lessons will be required to pass an oral interview on additional bibliographic material (15/30, in substitution of the in-class presentation and the participation & interactivity) before handing in the final written assignment (15/30).

The course includes a variety of teaching strategies: standard lessons, guided group discussions, lectures by invited scholars, practical activities, student presentations, and excursions.

A visit to the Restoration Laboratories of the Soprintendenza and a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Este are planned. Dates to be confirmed depending on the availability of the institutions.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development