EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the main theoretical frameworks and research methods used in the study of prehistory and protohistory. It examines the biological and cultural processes that have shaped human evolution from the emergence of the genus Homo to the gradual transition to historical periods, considering the impact of climate and environmental changes. The course focuses on sociocultural transitions across a broad geographical area — including Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region of Europe — through key case studies representative of different eras.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The course equips archaeology students with the essential tools to appreciate the significance and potential of prehistoric and protohistoric research. Students will develop a thorough understanding of principal archaeological contexts, key material cultures, and analytical methods for interpreting data from prehistoric and protohistoric periods.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES
Independence of Judgment:
Students will be able to apply their knowledge of research methods and investigative techniques to collect and interpret data pertinent to reconstructing human evolution, with particular attention to economic and ecological aspects.
Communication Skills:
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate their understanding of course topics using appropriate academic terminology.
Learning Ability:
Students will gain methodological rigour, practical fieldwork experience, and analytical skills necessary for advanced study, including master’s level programs. The course includes seminars aimed at fostering in-depth engagement with scientific literature.
None
The course will be structured into a series of lectures, featuring collective discussions on the main topics presented, as well as a set of seminar sessions focusing on specific subjects — particularly the origin of agriculture in Southwest Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
In the final part of the course, students will be expected to discuss a scientific article, previously agreed upon with the instructor, related to the topics covered in class and applied to a geographical and chronological context of their choosing. This discussion may be supported by a short paper or a digital presentation, prepared individually or in groups.
The exam consists of an oral interview aimed at verifying the achievement of the expected learning outcomes.
Language of the exam: Italian. Erasmus students who do not possess a proficient command of Italian may take the exam in English.
Evaluation criteria: The assessment will be based on the coherence, completeness of information, and appropriate use of terminology; on the ability to identify connections and relationships among different topics; and on the ability to address a subject from multiple perspectives.
Reference texts
Renfrew C., Bahn P. 2018, Archeologia. Teoria, metodi e pratica, Zanichelli, Bologna. (Capitoli 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12).
Diamond J. 2006, Armi, acciaio e malattie. Breve storia del mondo negli ultimi tredicimila anni, Einaudi, Torino.
De Martino S. (a cura di), Storia d’Europa e del Mediterraneo. Sezione I, volume 1, Salerno Editrice, Roma, pp. 1-363.
Guidi A. 2001, La storia dell’archeologia preistorica italiana nel contesto europeo, in Terrenato N. (a cura di), Archeologia teorica, All’insegna del Giglio, Firenze: pp. 23-37.
Vidale M. 2013, A oriente di Sumer. Archeologia dei primi stati euroasiatici 4000-2000, Carocci, Roma.
Cazzella A., Recchia G. 2021, Alle origini delle disuguaglianze, Edizioni di storia e studi sociali, Ragusa.
Recommended texts for further study
Guidi A. 1988, Storia della Paletnologia, Bari, Laterza.
Trigger B.G. 1996, Storia del pensiero archeologico, La Nuova Italia, Scandicci.
Renfrew C. 2011, Preistoria. Alba della mente umana, Piccola Biblioteca Einaudi, Mappe.
Manzi G. 2017, Ultime notizie sull’evoluzione umana, Il Mulino, Bologna.
There is no distinction in the syllabus between attending and non-attending students.
Additional and optional bibliography, aimed at exploring specific topics in greater depth, will be provided during the lectures. Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the instructor in any case.
1. Definition of prehistory and protohistory
2. History, theory and methods of pre-protohistoric archaeological research.
3. Typological seriation, chronology and dating methods
4. The origins of the genus Homo
5. The hunter-gatherer societies
6. The Neolithisation process
7. The discovery of metallurgy
8. The development of the first complex societies
Italian
