History of Archaeology

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

By the end of the course students will possess a basic knowledge of the main sources and crucial issues in the history of (largely) European archaeology from the 18th-century antiquarian interest down to the meaning of archaeology in contemporary culture. They will be able to search for the basic information and methodology enabling them to understand the notions of cataloguing, appraisal, dissemination and conservation of the historical and cultural heritage. They will be familiar with the main issues and lines of research; they will be able to judge for themselves the sometimes complex issues surrounding the development of a research method in archaeology. They will be capable of collecting, selecting, logically arranging and clearly outlining complex documentary data and information, analysing a range of sources critically from different historical periods. They will have learnt how to gain insights from experts in other fields and spot relations with other subjects. Working independently and in an orderly fashion, they will have acquired self-criticism and an ability to learn from mingling with others; they will also know how to choose the learning tools best suited to their own skills and purposes. Course contents The course contest is organized in two didactic sections, both of theoretical character: the first one on meant and the function of the archaeology beginning from the ancient world and the conquest of the method; the second on the theoretical and interpretative developments, been born within the prehistoric archaeology, today wide to the different sectors of the discipline, and on the new fields of interest. - Meaning of Archaeology: connection Present/Past The awareness of the Past: since archetype to "antiquaria" from the naissance of the modern archaeology The "different archaeologies"and the "archaeologies differents": the studies between the XX and XXI century The methodology of the seventy years: the construction of the an archaeological science The present situation: Archaeology and Cultural Heritage policies. Society in comparison of the Cultural Heritage The archaeology meaning and impact in the contemporary culture: media exploitation and cultural tourism Which future for archaeology? New laws, provisions and rules in field archaeology; the professional training of the archaeologist and his role in contemporary society