DIGITAL AND PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY MOD 2

The course is part of the Master's Degree in 'Digital and Public Humanities', coordinated by the Venice Centre for Digital and Public Humanities (VeDPH) of Ca' Foscari University's Department of Humanities.
The Digital and Public Archaeology course (12 ECTS), which aims to provide a general knowledge of the main theoretical and practical aspects of Digital Archaeology, is structured as follows:
• Module I: Digital Methods and Artificial Intelligence for Archaeology (Prof. Luigi Magnini)
• Module II: Maritime Heritage (Prof. Elisa Costa)

1. Learning and Understanding:
• General knowledge of the techniques and methods of Digital Archaeology applied to the field of Maritime Cultural Heritage.
• In-depth understanding of digital methodological approaches aimed at documenting, studying, and disseminating Maritime Cultural Heritage.

2. Ability to Apply Acquired Knowledge:
• Ability to plan research and select the most suitable Digital Archaeology techniques, applying them to specific case studies.

3. Judgment Skills:
• Ability to critically evaluate data, projects, and scientific publications in the field of Digital Maritime Cultural Heritage.
• Ability to develop a critical and informed approach in the field of Digital Maritime Cultural Heritage.

No prerequisites are required.

The aim of the Maritime Heritage module, within the Digital and Public Archaeology course, is to provide in-depth knowledge of research, documentation, and dissemination techniques for Maritime Cultural Heritage through digital technologies.

Starting from a general understanding of the techniques and methods of Digital Archaeology applied to the maritime context, the course will illustrate how technology can contribute to understanding and disseminating various aspects of maritime cultural heritage, from underwater and naval archaeology to nautical ethnography and maritime museums.

Different digital methodological approaches for documenting Maritime Cultural Heritage will be explained. In particular, 3D scanning, photogrammetry, virtual reality, and augmented reality will be described and used in a workshop setting, enabling students to apply their acquired knowledge, both theoretical and practical.

Students will develop the ability to plan research and select the most suitable Digital Archaeology techniques for Maritime Cultural Heritage, choosing from a wide range of digital tools the most effective one for documenting, analyzing, and interpreting different contexts.

Specific Contents:

- Introduction to the course and Maritime Heritage
- Maritime and Underwater Archaeology
- Naval Ethnography
- Maritime Museums
- Naval Graffiti
- Digital techniques for documentation (photogrammetry, laser scanner, etc.)
- Digital techniques for study (modeling software, calculation software, databases, etc.)
- Digital techniques for dissemination (virtual reality, augmented reality, virtual tours, databases, etc.)

During the course, articles, recent publications, and other online sources will be used and discussed. The main reference texts will be indicated during the course.

Assessment will be based on the following components:
1. Oral exam.
2. Development, completion, and presentation of a photogrammetric survey project.

written and oral

Grading scale for exams:

A. 18-22 range will be assigned for:
Sufficient knowledge and understanding of the texts in the exam program and related topics.
Presentation of a photogrammetric survey project in a partial way.

B. 23-26 range will be assigned for:
Fair knowledge and understanding of the texts in the exam program and related topics.
Presentation of a complete photogrammetric survey project with errors in the elaboration.

C. 27-30 range will be assigned for:
Good or excellent knowledge and understanding of the texts in the exam program and related topics.
Presentation of a complete and correct photogrammetric survey project.
D. “Lode” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and understanding of the texts in the exam program and related topics and participation to all the activities.

The course comprises theoretical frontal lessons on survey and representation methodologies and practical lessons with application exercises.

Teaching materials will be made available to students via the Moodle platform.

For any information, the student can contact the teacher at the e-mail address.