Teaching Workshop: Archeozoology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the archaeozoology workshop is to strengthen the skills of archaeology students, so that they are aware of the methods and aims of archaeozoology.
This knowledge will be used to foster the interdisciplinary integration that is essential to the professional archaeologist and archaeological researcher, thanks to a better understanding of animal remains as archaeological documents. The teaching workshop is an introduction to the discipline of archaeozoology and its main materials (animal remains from archaeological excavations). It aims to provide the basic tools for critically assessing the contribution of animals to the historical, cultural and economic evolution of ancient human communities. Particular attention will be paid to the aims and methodological and procedural aspects of archaeozoological research.
This knowledge will be used to foster the interdisciplinary integration that is essential to the professional archaeologist and archaeological researcher, thanks to a better understanding of animal remains as archaeological documents. The teaching workshop is an introduction to the discipline of archaeozoology and its main materials (animal remains from archaeological excavations). It aims to provide the basic tools for critically assessing the contribution of animals to the historical, cultural and economic evolution of ancient human communities. Particular attention will be paid to the aims and methodological and procedural aspects of archaeozoological research.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will show awareness of the aims of archaeozoological research, basic knowledge of the main methods of investigation, and the ability to integrate archaeozoological practice into the context of excavation and research.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The workshop is an introduction to the study of the relationships between humans and other animals in the past. It aims to provide the basic tools to critically evaluate the contribution of animals to the historical, cultural and economic evolution of ancient human communities. Particular attention will be paid to methodological aspects and various approaches of archaeozoological research.
Main topics: comparative osteology, identification of the main domestic and wild species, quantification, determination of age of death, osteometry, brief introduction to other taxonomic groups (cetaceans, birds, reptiles, fish), brief introduction to other methods (taphonomy, ethnozooarchaeology, stable isotope analysis, ZooArchaeology by Mass Spectrometry).
Main topics: comparative osteology, identification of the main domestic and wild species, quantification, determination of age of death, osteometry, brief introduction to other taxonomic groups (cetaceans, birds, reptiles, fish), brief introduction to other methods (taphonomy, ethnozooarchaeology, stable isotope analysis, ZooArchaeology by Mass Spectrometry).
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Each session will consist of an introductory frontal lecture on the methods and applications of archaeozoology and a practical part of practice in the recognition of osteoarchaeological material and data recording.
Teaching Resources
Purchasing the reference material is not compulsory, the reading of at least one of the two manuals is highly recommended. Other materials and more information on how to find them will be provided at the beginning of the course.
De Grossi Mazzorin J., 2008, Archeozoologia, Lo studio dei resti animali in archeologia,Laterza, Roma - Bari.
Gifford-Gonzalez, D. 2018, An introduction to zooarchaeology. Springer
De Grossi Mazzorin J., 2008, Archeozoologia, Lo studio dei resti animali in archeologia,Laterza, Roma - Bari.
Gifford-Gonzalez, D. 2018, An introduction to zooarchaeology. Springer
Assessment methods and Criteria
Final practical exercise: identification of anatomical element, species, age at death.
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