Introduction to Classical Archaeology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of classical archaeology, with a particular emphasis on the discipline's historical development, its sources, and its research methodologies. Key issues within the discipline will be explored by the examination of case studies and contemporary or ongoing research initiatives. A particular emphasis will be placed on the examination of daily life in the ancient world through the lens of material culture and monuments.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, participants will have obtained an understanding of the primary themes and conceptual frameworks underpinning the discipline. Furthermore, participants will be equipped with the capacity to critically synthesize scientific literature and the ability to interpret images of the primary monuments and aspects of material culture.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Surname A-H
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours; 3 credits): Introduction to Archaeology
Part B (20 hours; 3 credits): Daily Life in the Ancient World and the Archaeology of Death and Burials
Part C (20 hours; 3 credits): Daily Life in the Ancient World and the Archaeology of Death and Burials
Part B (20 hours; 3 credits): Daily Life in the Ancient World and the Archaeology of Death and Burials
Part C (20 hours; 3 credits): Daily Life in the Ancient World and the Archaeology of Death and Burials
Prerequisites for admission
The course is aimed at students whose family name begins with the letters A to H.
A basic knowledge in Greek and Roman history is highly recommended for following the course and the exam preparation.
A basic knowledge in Greek and Roman history is highly recommended for following the course and the exam preparation.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with the use of visuals. Discussion and alternative teaching methods (quiz, flipped classroom) are included.
The slides will be available on the MyAriel course website after the end of the course.
The slides will be available on the MyAriel course website after the end of the course.
Teaching Resources
For attending students the following textbooks are required:
Part A
1) C. RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (Zanichelli). Pp. 1-155.
Parts B and C
2) T. HOLSCHER, L'archeologia Classica. Un'introduzione. 2010 (L'Erma di Bretschneider). Pp. 1-329.
For non-attending students the following textbooks are required:
6-credit exam:
1) C. RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (Zanichelli) - entire volume.
2) T. HOLSCHER, L'archeologia Classica. Un'introduzione. 2010 (L'Erma di Bretschneider) - entire volume.
3) DICKMANN, J-A, Pompei. 2007 (La Terza) - entire volume.
9-credit exam:
1) C. RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (or previous 1) RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (o edizioni precedenti) (Zanichelli) - entire volume.
2) T. HOLSCHER, L'archeologia Classica. Un'introduzione. 2010 (L'Erma di Bretschneider) - entire volume.
3) M. BARBANERA, Storia dell'archeologia classica in Italia. Dal 1764 ai giorni nostri. 2022 (Laterza) - entire volume.
4) DICKMANN, J-A, Pompei. 2007 (La Terza) - entire volume.
Part A
1) C. RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (Zanichelli). Pp. 1-155.
Parts B and C
2) T. HOLSCHER, L'archeologia Classica. Un'introduzione. 2010 (L'Erma di Bretschneider). Pp. 1-329.
For non-attending students the following textbooks are required:
6-credit exam:
1) C. RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (Zanichelli) - entire volume.
2) T. HOLSCHER, L'archeologia Classica. Un'introduzione. 2010 (L'Erma di Bretschneider) - entire volume.
3) DICKMANN, J-A, Pompei. 2007 (La Terza) - entire volume.
9-credit exam:
1) C. RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (or previous 1) RENFREW, P. BAHN, E. DeMARRAIS L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche. 2024 (o edizioni precedenti) (Zanichelli) - entire volume.
2) T. HOLSCHER, L'archeologia Classica. Un'introduzione. 2010 (L'Erma di Bretschneider) - entire volume.
3) M. BARBANERA, Storia dell'archeologia classica in Italia. Dal 1764 ai giorni nostri. 2022 (Laterza) - entire volume.
4) DICKMANN, J-A, Pompei. 2007 (La Terza) - entire volume.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is written and is designed to assess students' knowledge of the topics covered in class and the texts listed in the syllabus. The written examination may include open-ended questions, multiple-choice questions, as well as the identification and analysis of images.
When preparing for the exam, it is important to follow the order of the modules, as set out below:
6-credit exam: Parts A and B;
9-credit exam: Parts A, B and C.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the professor in charge of the course.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA must agree on the method of taking their exams with their professor, in consultation with the relevant office.
When preparing for the exam, it is important to follow the order of the modules, as set out below:
6-credit exam: Parts A and B;
9-credit exam: Parts A, B and C.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the professor in charge of the course.
Students with disabilities and/or DSA must agree on the method of taking their exams with their professor, in consultation with the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
ARCH-01/D - Classical Archaeology - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
ARCH-01/D - Classical Archaeology - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Surname I-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours; 3 CFU): Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Definition and scope of the discipline; methods and tools of archaeology; main categories of sources and approaches to the study of material culture in the ancient world.
Part B (20 hours; 3 CFU): Living and Dying in the Ancient World
Domestic spaces and the organisation of everyday life; funerary practices and ideologies of death in the Greek and Roman worlds.
Part C (20 hours; 3 CFU): Economy, Politics and Society in the Ancient World
Economic structures and production systems; forms of political organisation; social dynamics and their reflection in the archaeological record.
Definition and scope of the discipline; methods and tools of archaeology; main categories of sources and approaches to the study of material culture in the ancient world.
Part B (20 hours; 3 CFU): Living and Dying in the Ancient World
Domestic spaces and the organisation of everyday life; funerary practices and ideologies of death in the Greek and Roman worlds.
Part C (20 hours; 3 CFU): Economy, Politics and Society in the Ancient World
Economic structures and production systems; forms of political organisation; social dynamics and their reflection in the archaeological record.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific prerequisites are required; however, a basic knowledge of Greek and Roman history is strongly recommended.
Teaching methods
Lectures are delivered with the support of visual materials presented through presentation software (PowerPoint or Prezi).
Class discussions and interactive teaching activities (such as quizzes and exercises, including in a flipped classroom format) may be included, with the aim of fostering active participation and the application of acquired knowledge.
The images used during the lectures will be made available at the end of the course on the Ariel platform.
Class discussions and interactive teaching activities (such as quizzes and exercises, including in a flipped classroom format) may be included, with the aim of fostering active participation and the application of acquired knowledge.
The images used during the lectures will be made available at the end of the course on the Ariel platform.
Teaching Resources
Reading list for ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Part A
1). Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E., L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche, Zanichelli, 2024 (or previous editions), pp. 1-155.
2). Notes taken during lectures.
Parts B and C
1). Hölscher T., L'archeologia classica. Un'introduzione, L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2010, pp. 1-306.
2). Notes taken during lectures.
Reading list for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
6 CFU exam
1). Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E., L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche, Zanichelli, 2024 (or previous editions), full volume.
2). Hölscher T., L'archeologia classica. Un'introduzione, L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2010, full volume.
3). Dickmann J.-A., Pompei, Laterza, 2007, full volume.
9 CFU exam
1). Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E., L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche, Zanichelli, 2024 (or previous editions), full volume.
2). Hölscher T., L'archeologia classica. Un'introduzione, L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2010, full volume.
3). Barbanera M., Storia dell'archeologia classica in Italia. Dal 1764 ai giorni nostri, Laterza, 2022, full volume.
4). Dickmann J.-A., Pompei, Laterza, 2007, full volume.
Part A
1). Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E., L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche, Zanichelli, 2024 (or previous editions), pp. 1-155.
2). Notes taken during lectures.
Parts B and C
1). Hölscher T., L'archeologia classica. Un'introduzione, L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2010, pp. 1-306.
2). Notes taken during lectures.
Reading list for NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
6 CFU exam
1). Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E., L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche, Zanichelli, 2024 (or previous editions), full volume.
2). Hölscher T., L'archeologia classica. Un'introduzione, L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2010, full volume.
3). Dickmann J.-A., Pompei, Laterza, 2007, full volume.
9 CFU exam
1). Renfrew C., Bahn P., DeMarrais E., L'essenziale di archeologia. Teorie - Metodi - Pratiche, Zanichelli, 2024 (or previous editions), full volume.
2). Hölscher T., L'archeologia classica. Un'introduzione, L'Erma di Bretschneider, 2010, full volume.
3). Barbanera M., Storia dell'archeologia classica in Italia. Dal 1764 ai giorni nostri, Laterza, 2022, full volume.
4). Dickmann J.-A., Pompei, Laterza, 2007, full volume.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is written and is designed to assess students' knowledge of teh topics covered in class and the texts listed in the syllabus. The written examination may include open-ended questions, multiple choice questions, as well as the identification and analysis of images. Exam preparation must follow the sequence of modules according to the following structure:
6 CFU exam: Parts A + B;
9 CFU exam: Parts A + B + C.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and takes into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to critically analyse the topics, and the appropriate use of technical terminology.
Students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA) will agree on the exam arrangements with the instructor, in accordance with the relevant university services.
International or Erasmus incoming students are encouraged to contact the instructor for any further information.
6 CFU exam: Parts A + B;
9 CFU exam: Parts A + B + C.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and takes into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to critically analyse the topics, and the appropriate use of technical terminology.
Students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (DSA) will agree on the exam arrangements with the instructor, in accordance with the relevant university services.
International or Erasmus incoming students are encouraged to contact the instructor for any further information.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
ARCH-01/D - Classical Archaeology - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
ARCH-01/D - Classical Archaeology - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday, 2.00-5.00 PM
Sezione di Archeologia - via Festa del Perdono 7, Cortile della Legnaia
Reception:
Thursday, 2.30-5.30 PM
Sezione di Archeologia - via Festa del Perdono 7, Cortile della Legnaia