Archaeology

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale program. The course is intended for advanced level students only. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course covers the basic information necessary for understanding the complexity of modern Archaeological Museology: from knowledge of the scientific subject of Museology to Museum Practice. The course focuses on topics including the history of museology: from the “archetype” of museums in the ancient world to the “relational” museum today; the question of the role of media in museums today; experimental archaeology and ethno-archaeology in connection with archaeological preservation and enhancement; the question of archaeological parks designed to create interest and foster critical debate; and archeological tourism: management and culture. Students submit a case study that focuses on a specific museum, exhibition site, or archaeological park, or is an analysis of a specific theme related to the course. Case study outlines are provided during the course. The course includes two visits to local museums at the end of the scheduled class lectures. Assessment is based on a final oral exam covering course materials and a discussion of the case study. Students in Art History can take the course for under the Art History subject area in consultation with the instructor. In this case, students concentrate on the history of museum exhibits that focus on art objects such as paintings, ceramics, and even jewelry. Topics covered include museum architecture, history of museums, museums and cultural heritage, management of museums, and marketing of museums and exhibits: museum tourism.

This course looks at the history and archaeology of London, from its Roman foundation as Londinium in the 1st century AD, through its collapse and re-foundation as the new settlement of Lundenwic in c. AD 600, its relocation in c. AD900, and its subsequent dramatic development through to its destruction in the Great Fire of AD 1666. The majority of classes take the form of field trips in the London area. Students obtain a solid overview of the development of London from AD50-1700 and a familiarity with the layout of the historical city, its physical remains, monuments, and museum displays. Students are also encouraged to consider the ways in which such remains are uncovered and presented to the public. 

This is a special studies course with projects arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific topics of study vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. The number of units varies with the student's project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student's special study project form.

The course consists of practical work combined with formal lectures and seminars. It involves six weeks of field work with a focus on the various methods and techniques ethnographers employ to gather primary data. The course explores ethnographic and other anthropological field survey methods, which involves the collection of oral accounts. Activities include training in data processing, recording, analysis, and interpretation, and in photography and videography.

The course surveys the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age (c. 3000-1100 B.C.) to the early Roman imperial period (1st century AD). The chronological sequence of lectures considers the physical remains of ancient Greek life and society, including religion, domestic life, civic spaces, burial practices, social practices, the military, and interactions with other cultures.