Archaeology

The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the theoretical, methodological, and interpretive frameworks for the study of prehistoric art, from the earliest symbolic forms to the various artistic manifestations that characterized the deep history of past cultures. A selection of case studies spanning a range of chronological periods and geographical areas will facilitate an examination of the diverse theoretical, methodological, and interpretive approaches employed, including stylistic, contextual, genre, and phenomenological perspectives, as well as those that adopt a holistic view of the various manifestations of visual material culture in the past. The course is divided into three modules: The first module will critically examine the origins of symbolic thought and the earliest visible manifestations in material culture. The second part of the course will focus on the study of rock art, with an introduction to methodological aspects related to documentation, chemical and physical analyses for the reconstruction of the techniques used to create painted and engraved evidence, and the identification of deterioration processes. In addressing different interpretive approaches, we will focus, in particular, on the concept of ‘scene’ and how it has been addressed over time. The last part of the course will be seminar-based in nature on case studies selected by the attendees.

Basic knowledge of archaeological research theories and methods. Foreign language skills in English and French are recommended for literature that is available only in the original language.

Essential readings for each lecture will be detailed in the course syllabus. The syllabus will be available at the beginning of the course. The literature is here provided as a general reference for the topics discussed in the course.

Attendance is strictly recommended. Those unable to attend are requested to indicate their interest to the lecturer to arrange the program.

The final evaluation will be based on an oral interview and a written paper to be submitted at least one week before the roll call (10 pages spacing 1.5 Arial 11 font, including bibliography and 3-4 images). Knowledge gained in the lectures will be evaluated with questions on the reference bibliography and topics discussed in class (40% of the grade), the presentation of seminar activities (20% of the grade) and the written paper (40% of the grade).

The course will have a modular structure and include different teaching models to achieve the educational objectives through student involvement. Frontal lectures with telematic support and seminars will facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. By the end of the course, basic knowledge and the most up-to-date theoretical and methodological approaches will have been acquired. Analysis of case studies selected by students, with presentations and preparation of papers, will stimulate the ability to apply knowledge, develop critical sense and autonomy of judgment. At the same time, communication and critical discussion skills will be acquired. Attendance is strictly recommended. Those unable to attend are requested to indicate their interest to the lecturer to arrange the program.

The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the theoretical, methodological, and interpretive frameworks for the study of prehistoric art, from the earliest symbolic forms to the various artistic manifestations that characterized the deep history of past cultures. A selection of case studies spanning a range of chronological periods and geographical areas will facilitate an examination of the diverse theoretical, methodological, and interpretive approaches employed, including stylistic, contextual, genre, and phenomenological perspectives, as well as those that adopt a holistic view of the various manifestations of visual material culture in the past. The course is divided into three modules: The first module will critically examine the origins of symbolic thought and the earliest visible manifestations in material culture. The second part of the course will focus on the study of rock art, with an introduction to methodological aspects related to documentation, chemical and physical analyses for the reconstruction of the techniques used to create painted and engraved evidence, and the identification of deterioration processes. In addressing different interpretive approaches, we will focus, in particular, on the concept of ‘scene’ and how it has been addressed over time. The last part of the course will be seminar-based in nature on case studies selected by the attendees.

Basic knowledge of archaeological research theories and methods. Foreign language skills in English and French are recommended for literature that is available only in the original language.

Essential readings for each lecture will be detailed in the course syllabus. The syllabus will be available at the beginning of the course. The literature is here provided as a general reference for the topics discussed in the course.

Attendance is strictly recommended. Those unable to attend are requested to indicate their interest to the lecturer to arrange the program.

The final evaluation will be based on an oral interview and a written paper to be submitted at least one week before the roll call (10 pages spacing 1.5 Arial 11 font, including bibliography and 3-4 images). Knowledge gained in the lectures will be evaluated with questions on the reference bibliography and topics discussed in class (40% of the grade), the presentation of seminar activities (20% of the grade) and the written paper (40% of the grade).

The course will have a modular structure and include different teaching models to achieve the educational objectives through student involvement. Frontal lectures with telematic support and seminars will facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. By the end of the course, basic knowledge and the most up-to-date theoretical and methodological approaches will have been acquired. Analysis of case studies selected by students, with presentations and preparation of papers, will stimulate the ability to apply knowledge, develop critical sense and autonomy of judgment. At the same time, communication and critical discussion skills will be acquired. Attendance is strictly recommended. Those unable to attend are requested to indicate their interest to the lecturer to arrange the program.