Archaeological Materials Science

Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge on the bioarchaeological record, with a main focus on methodologies and case-studies in paleoanthropology and skeletal biology. Therefore she/he will acquire the necessary skills on adaptive dynamics in relation to geographical distribution and specific cultural contexts, in a diachronic perspective Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire skills to use methods of analysis and critical evaluation of human biodiversity, with particular reference to the interaction between biological phenomena and cultural practices. Critical and judgmental capacities: Through the documentation and analysis of one or more case studies, the student will develop her/his ability to critically discuss biological, archaeological and historical sources. Communication skills: The student will acquire skills in critical thinking and public speaking, being invited to present the results of the analytical and critical study of one or more case studies. Interaction with peer students will be fostered. Learning skills: The student will acquire the proper language of bioarchaeology, paleoanthropology and skeletal morphology, with reference to the human variability in the past, being able to deal autonomously with relevant textbooks and more specialised literature.

a) Good level of English b) Basic level of prehistory and ancient history c) Basic level of human biology

- C.S. Larsen. 2015. Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior from the Human Skeleton. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. - T.D. White, M.T. Black, P.A. Folkens. 2011. Human Osteology. Academic Press, New York. Third Edition. - M.A. Katzenberg & S. Saunders. 2008. Biological anthropology of the human skeleton. Second Edition. Academic Press, New York. * handouts will be given during the course

Attendance is mandatory

The exam is oral and includes the discussion of a case study convened. To pass the exam a grade of 18/30 is mandatory. The student must demonstrate to have acquired an understanding of the themes discussed during class and to have read and understood in a critical manner the material handed during classes. To obtain a grade of 30/30 cum laude, the student must demonstrate to have acquired an excellent understanding of all the themes discussed during class and to have the ability to link them in a critical manner. The ability to develop an independent research of the sources will be is particularly appreciated.

Time schedule 8 weeks/6 h per week Face-to-face classes: 40 h Laboratory work: 12 h