Archaeology
Class: L-1 - Cultural heritage
A course that takes students to the heart of Mediterranean and European ancient cultures that have followed one another from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. Students study the fields of archaeological, historical-artistic, and cultural teachings, as well as the specialized subjects in the legislative, chemical, physical, and geological fields that are in line with modern methodologies of archaeological science. Students learn the methods of stratigraphic excavation, geophysical prospecting, the use of instrumentation, and computer processing of data by carrying out practical exercises and internships at geological sites. Students can pursue employment as archaeological superintendent at regional local and museum bodies, as an expert of ancient art, as well as a consultant for the design and management of archaeological sites and parks.
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Characteristics and objectives
Through instruction of an archaeological, historical-artistic and cultural nature, the degree course provides solid preparation on the principal ancient cultures that have succeeded one another in the Mediterranean and Europe, from prehistoric times to the Medieval Ages. The degree course also conveys the main methodological profiles of modern archaeological science. It fosters learning in specialized subjects in the fields of chemistry, physics, and geology; all applied to an understanding of archaeological materials and contexts.
Theoretical knowledge is then integrated with a course component that involves practical lessons (work experience) on archaeological sites. These activities aim at the acquisition of methods of stratigraphic archaeological excavation, surface recognition, geophysical prospecting, and the use of graphic, photographic, and topographical survey instrumentation and data processing.
The degree course also includes the study of legislation concerning cultural heritage, a command of at least one of the modern languages of the European Union, and the understanding of the primary IT instruments applied to the research, protection, and enhancement of cultural heritage sites, in particular of archaeological heritage.
Occupational opportunities
The degree course prepares: archaeologists for inclusion in branch offices of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (regional and archeaological superintendence), local authorities (municipalities, provinces, regions), and public and private museums; individuals operating in service companies specialized in archaeological excavations; experts in ancient art (qualified to classify, certify, document, or provide consultation for restoration) as well as in publicizing and disseminating multimedia information in the area of cultural heritage; consultants for the planning and management of archaeological parks and sites; individuals operating in the production of archaeological maps, risk assessment in rescue archaeology, in data analysis processing, forecasting, monitoring and enhancement of archaeological resources.
From Bachelor's degree to Master's degree
The degree course gives access to the second-cycle degree in Archaeological Sciences, according to the procedures indicated in the specific admission notice.
