Course aims:

Correct definition and presentation of the main concepts used in historical studies, of the major stages and processes in human history, of the current state of historiography, and of the main methods of archaeological research.
Applying the methods of criticism to the study of published historical sources (material evidences) in order to restore historical facts as accurately as possible
Identifying existing limits in the analysis of information about the historical past, determining the causes of these limits, and proposing alternative hypotheses regarding the archaeological evidences.

Course Entry Requirements:

N/A

Course contents:

Organic and inorganic materials used in the manufacture of archaeological artifacts (chemical and mineralogical composition); Archaeometric investigations as methods for determining the sources of raw materials, manufacturing methods and the influences of environmental conditions on historical artifacts; In situ sampling, transport and storage techniques for archaeological materials made from inorganic and organic materials; Techniques for sampling and consolidating architectural elements with an ornamental role (fresco, mosaic), as part of heritage goods; Restoration techniques for artefacts made from animal materials; Archaeological drawing – between classic and modern.

Teaching methods:

Power Point presentation

Learning outcomes:

The acquisition of the basic knowledge in archaeology and the ability to operate with the specific concepts of this field

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

100% - oral examination

Recommended reading:

Balme J., Paterson, A., Archaeology in Practice. A Student Guide to Archaeological Analyses, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, 2006,
M. Carver, Archaeological Investigation, Routledge Publishing, London, 2009,
Grant, J., Gorin, S., Fleming, N., The Archaeology. Coursebook, Routledge Publishing, London, 2008,
Hester, T. R., Shafer, H. J., Feder, K. L., Field methods in archaeology, Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek,, 2009,