Taught off-campus at the Alberese Archaeological Field School in Tuscany (Italy). July 17-August 11, 2017
See www.johncabot.edu/alberese


The course provides students with firm practical experience of stratigraphic archaeology and methods of recording, and introduces them to related fields and methodologies. This forms the basis for a well-grounded understanding of the techniques of identifying, contextualizing and interpreting archaeological data. The course encourages students to consider the results in a historical and regional context, and hence to develop a good comprehension of archaeological research approaches.

The course combines training in on-site excavation and material culture studies, with seminars and lectures. Seminars and on-site lectures will consider specialized topics like the Harris matrix, finds studies and artifact assemblages, the history of the region, and considerations of the ancient economy. Visits to neighboring sites and museums are encouraged in order to contextualize the archaeological results and encourage considerations of developmental histories.

The course forms part of a Research Project that investigates international exchange networks and settlement patterns in Roman central Italy between the mid-Republican period and late Antiquity. As well as the Rural Villa under investigation, the project also encompasses a series of related excavations: a temple sanctuary dedicated to Diana, a river port, and an extensive workshop complex.

The primary components of the course are:
• Training in stratigraphic excavation methods. Subjects covered include excavation methods and their application, analysis of built structures and archaeological features, context analysis, and introduction to surveying, environmental studies and landscape archaeology.
• Training in archaeological recording methods. Subjects covered include recording methods for archaeological contexts and finds, handling stratigraphic information, drawing features and structures, and electronic surveying.
• Introduction to artifact studies. The study of the excavation data is contextualized by considerations of artifact recording, handling and studies for a nuanced approach to the excavation data.
• Consideration of other archaeological sites. The course may be complemented by visits to other archaeological sites and museums for a contextual archaeological and historical understanding of the excavations.

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of archaeological methods and approaches, a firm introduction to the interdisciplinary aspect of the field, and a good appreciation of archaeological research methods.
• They will gain familiarity with the terminology and methodologies of archaeological excavation, material culture studies and surveying, as well as with methods of data recording and illustration.
• They will develop a critical appreciation of the approach and scope of archaeological interpretation, and an understanding of the inherent interdisciplinary approach of this.
• They will attain a contextual understanding of the excavations through introductions to aspects of material culture studies, history and environmental studies.
• They will acquire an awareness of developmental histories of other sites in the area through the possibilities of visits to archaeological sites and museums.