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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "ARCH/CL 101-1"
COURSE NAME: "The Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean World"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Alice Poletto
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: T2:15 PM 5:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Partially on-site; activity fee: €25 or $33
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is an introduction to current archaeological research methods, as well as to the history of Classical Archaeology as a field, providing a critical engagement with the material remains of key excavated sites related to the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East between c. 3000 BC and AD 500. This includes a focus on the contextualization of these remains in current scholarship, in particular, on how archaeological approaches are expanding the field of investigation. The course includes visits to archaeological sites and museums in Rome for direct investigation of material remains.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Students will be introduced to archaeological research, focusing on Classical Archaeology, i. e. on Italy and the Mediterranean from Minoan Crete to Late Antique Rome. The discipline’s changing interests, methods, and excavation techniques from the 18th century to recent approaches will be analyzed.

-        How to get from the excavation of ancient monuments and artifacts to an interpretation of the material evidence of past civilizations? How to read a stratigraphy, how to establish a typology?

-        Why became survey techniques (e. g. ground penetrating radar, GPR) a standard of any archaeological investigation? How to overcome problems when excavating under special conditions: think of underwater archaeology, or when studying special finds: e. g. human remains?

-        What are the pros and cons when employing Natural sciences (e. g. radiocarbon dating, 14C), historical data (coins and inscriptions), or stylistic evidence (art and architecture)? What does each method contribute to a better understanding of ancient communities in their chronological context?

-        Archaeology does not end with the excavation: What does ‘post-excavation’ mean? Restoration and reconstruction efforts as well as the presentation to the public (of excavation sites and in museums) will be discussed.

-        Finally, a view on the dark side of archaeology. Art crime, as illegal looting of archaeological sites and trafficking of art, are actual threats and may show the risks to lose our past.

Visits to archaeological sites (and to present excavations in Rome, where possible) shall intensify the understanding of the in-class lessons.

Students may have to pay some extra-fee to cover entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums.

 

 

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE READING

 

Rome. Archaeological Guide (2010)

A. Claridge

Rome and Environs (2007)

F. Coarelli

Archaeology. Theories, Methods, Practice (3rd ed. 2000)

C. Renfrew - P. Bahn

Reader in Archaeological Theory (1998)

D. S. Whitley

Burial, Society, and Context (2001)

J. Pierce, M. Millett, M. Struck

Understanding Archaeological Excavation (1986)

P. Barker

The Archaeological Process (1999)

I. Hodder

Archaeological Theory. An Introduction (1999)

M. Johnson

Archaeology. A Very Short Introduction (2012)

P. Bahn

In the Beginning. An Introduction to Archaeology (2005)

B. M. Fagan, C. R. De Corse

The Archaeology of Roman Economy (1986)

K. Greene

Roman Pottery (1992)

K. Greene

Ancient Rome. The Archaeology of the Ancient City (2000)

J. Coulston, H. Dodge

An Encyclopedia of the History of Classical Archaeology (1996)

N. Thompson de Grummond

A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome (1992)

L. Richardson

The Ancient Mediterranean Environment between Science and History (2013)

W. V. Harris (ed.)

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students are introduced to different methods and theories of archaeological research. They can acquire the tools to recognize the most important classes of archaeological materials. The analysis of unknown monuments and objects allow students to study and think critically. The nature of the exams, the term paper, as well as oral presentations and class discussion, are aimed to a further development of critical analysis, presentation and communication skills.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Archaeology: An IntroductionKevin Greene, Tom MooreHoboken : Taylor & Francis9780203835975  Ebook  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
MidtermThe midterm test will consist in short questions and an essay question.20%
Final examThe final exam consists in identification questions, short questions and cumulative essay questions.30%
Oral presentationEach student has to give one oral presentation on a topic or a site or a monument to be selected. The presentation of 5-10 minutes should be accompanied by a class handout (1-2 pages). Date of presentation as best related to the class schedule.15%
ProjectThe outline of 1-2 pages should include a thesis, possible chapters, and a first bibliography. The paper should be 5-7 double-spaced pages, exclusive of images and bibliography. due dates: see schedule.20%
Perusall assignmentsStudents are asked to watch the assigned videos on Perusall before coming to class. Readings and videos posted on Perusall are part of this assessment method and must be accessed from Moodle through Perusall links. Perusall.com is the online platform where the readings are to be done, and no other ways are accepted for these assignments.5%
ParticipationIn addition to timely presence, active participation is expected of all students. You are expected to come to class having read the assignment and to be prepared to answer and make relevant questions and to share your own observations.10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
3rd September 2024Introduction. Archaeological practice, theories and methods.Syllabus; introduction books; Greene ch. 1  
10th September 2024Archaeological survey techniques. Discovery and pre-excavation.Greene ch. 2  
17th September 2024Visit to the Forum Romanum: History of research and archaeological excavation.Claridge, Rome 62-123  
24th September 2024Theory and practice of excavation. Logistics, stratigraphy, documentation.Greene ch. 3  
1st October 2024Urban Archaeology. Case study: Largo Argentina   
8th October 2024Chronology and dating methods. Dendrochronology, Carbon 14 and related methodsGreene ch. 4  
15th October 2024Midterm   
22nd October 2024Museums and collections - Visit to the Capitoline Museums   
29th October 2024Classical Sculpture - Visit to the Gipsoteca of La Sapienza   
5th November 2024Conservation and restoration. Presentation to the public.   
12th November 2024Cultural heritage. Art crime: Tomb raiders and the illicit art market   
19th November 2024Material culture: ceramics   
26th November 2024Material culture: inscriptions and coinage   
3rd December 2024Presentations and review session