Archaeology

CLAUDIA MINNITI
CLAUDIA MINNITI

This course will provide the students with an understanding of the main stages in the history of the
animal domestication, from the Palaeolithic to modern times. The importance of domestic animals
in the history of human societies as well as its variation in time and space will be discussed. The
unit will cover ecological and economic as well as social aspects and will illustrate the role played
by domestic animals in human communities and the historical and archaeological documentation of
the early stages up to the formation of modern breeds.
Extended program:
The concept of species and the nomenclature of domestic animals; the experiment made by Belaev;
the animal domestication process: origins, modality and impact; the diffusion of domestic animals;
the concepts of ecotype, ancient and modern breed; the contribution of genetic studies to the history
of animal domestication; dog; the Neolithic package; cattle; goat and sheep; pigs; reindeer;
camelids; horse and donkey; cat; domestic fowl; duck; goose; rabbit; mouse and rat. The
domestication of other minor animal species.

The course aims to provide knowledge of the main phenomena related to the history of animal domestication, with particular focus on defining the concept of domestication, the ways in which the domestication process occurs, the illustration of its origins and spread, the role of domestic animals in human communities, and the historical and archaeological documentation of the early phases of animal domestication, up to the formation of modern breeds of farm animals.

Basic school-level knowledge of natural sciences

Extended program:
The concept of species and the nomenclature of domestic animals; the experiment made by Belaev;
the animal domestication process: origins, modality and impact; the diffusion of domestic animals;
the concepts of ecotype, ancient and modern breed; the contribution of genetic studies to the history
of animal domestication; dog; the Neolithic package; cattle; goat and sheep; pigs; reindeer;
camelids; horse and donkey; cat; domestic fowl; duck; goose; rabbit; mouse and rat. The
domestication of other minor animal species.

Francis R.C., 2019, Domesticated: The Unusual Evolution of Animals That Live Beside Humans, Bollati Boringhieri, Turin.
In addition to the required reading, further articles will be suggested by the instructor during the course.

The course consists of lectures and seminar activities.

Class attendance is strongly recommended.

Oral exam
The exam aims to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives:
• Knowledge of the phenomena related to animal domestication
• In-depth understanding of the archaeological documentation presented during the course
The student will be evaluated based on their knowledge of the assigned texts, teaching materials, and mastery of the topics explored in class, as well as their achievement of the course objectives. Additional evaluation criteria will include clarity of expression and the critical ability to argue personal theses.
Class attendance will be positively considered in the student's evaluation.