EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course aims to provide a general understanding of the main theoretical approaches and research methods used in the study of bioarchaeology. It will examine the biological processes that promote the preservation of animal and plant remains within archaeological deposits. Additionally, the course will illustrate the potential of analysing plant and animal remains from archaeological contexts—particularly those dating to the pre- and protohistoric periods—to obtain ecological and economic information about the past. These topics will be explored through the presentation of case studies drawn from a broad geographical area, including Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean regions of Europe.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The course is designed to equip archaeology students with the necessary tools to understand the potential of bioarchaeological research. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of key archaeological contexts, the principal methods of bioarchaeological investigation, and the procedures for analysing and interpreting bioarchaeological data, especially in prehistoric and protohistoric contexts.
FURTHER EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Autonomy of judgement:
Students should be able to apply the knowledge acquired during the course—particularly regarding methods and analytical techniques—to gather information relevant to palaeoenvironmental and palaeoeconomic reconstruction.
Communication skills:
Students must be able to articulate their acquired knowledge with appropriate terminology and clarity, particularly in relation to the various topics addressed throughout the course.
Learning skills:
Students should acquire methodological rigour, familiarity with fieldwork practices, and analytical skills that will enable them to pursue advanced academic programmes, such as Master’s degrees. To this end, the course includes laboratory work and seminar activities focused on the study and critical analysis of scientific articles.
None
The course will consist of a series of lectures, structured around collective discussions on general themes introduced in each session, alongside a number of seminar-based classes focusing on specific topics—particularly the origins of agriculture in Southwest Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
In the final part of the course, students will be required to critically discuss a scientific article, selected in agreement with the lecturer, related to the themes addressed during the course and applied to a geographical and chronological context of their own interest. This discussion may be supported by a short written essay or a digital presentation, to be prepared either individually or in small groups.
A limited number of hours will be devoted to practical laboratory activities aimed at acquiring methodologies and techniques for sediment processing, selection and analysis of organic remains, as well as data processing and interpretation of results.
The examination consists of an oral interview aimed at verifying the achievement of the course objectives and the expected learning outcomes.
Language of the examination: Italian. Erasmus students who are not fully proficient in Italian may take the examination in English.
Assessment criteria: Evaluation will be based on the coherence and completeness of the information provided, the correct use of terminology, and the student’s ability to make connections between different topics and to approach a subject from multiple perspectives.
Reference texts
Renfrew, C., Bahn, P., 2018, Archeologia. Teoria, metodi e pratica. Bologna. Capitoli 1, 2, 6, 7, 12.
Caramiello, R., Arobba, R., 2003, Manuale di archeobotanica. Milano.
De Grossi Mazzorin, J., 2008, Archeozoologia. Lo studio dei resti animali in archeologia. Roma, Bari.
Mannoni, T., Molinari, A., a cura di, 1990, Scienze in archeologia. II Ciclo di lezioni sulla ricerca applicata in archeologia. Sezione II. Analisi dei reperti naturalistici. Certosa di Pontignano (Siena), 7-19 novembre 1988. Quaderni del Dipartimento di Archeologia e Storia delle arti, Sezione Archeologia, Università di Siena. Firenze, pp. 209-422.
Recommended texts for further study
Pearsall, D.M., 2015, Paleoethnobotany. A Handbook of Procedures (3rd Ed.). New York: Routledge.
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 and History of Bioarchaeological Research
2. Chronology and Ecology of the Quaternary
3. Methodology of Bioarchaeological Research
4. Environmental Archaeology
5. Archaeobotany
6. Archaeozoology
7. Case Studies of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sites in Asia, North Africa, and Mediterranean Europe
8. Laboratory Activities
Italian
