INTERDISCIPLINARY PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES

"Mock Archeometrics" is an interdisciplinary laboratory based on a "scientific contest" that provides theoretical and practical skills to deepen the phases of archeometric investigation based on archaeological objects.
Archeometric investigations on the nature of an ancient object are based on the ability of the researcher to ask correct questions about the nature of the materials, the methods to identify them, and the actual congruity of the context of investigation, which must take into account possible post-positional alterations or contaminations of modern times.
The students will be trained to scientifically consider the overall process on the construction of archaeological data, from the manufacture of the object, to its use, to the alterations that the object can undergo once buried. The laboratory will allow to discuss around a specific case the limits of some specific investigation techniques, and how these limits can become a stimulus to broaden research and through a holistic scientific approach. The laboratory aims to consider the characterization aspect of materials as a collective process, which combines chemical, archeometric, technical-laboratory aspects with archaeological, cultural and anthropological considerations.

- Notions of experimental archaeology- Notions on the fake in archaeology and on how to identify it
- Notions related to the preparation of "mock" or modern samples
- Theoretical and practical notions about the main analytical techniques used in a chemical laboratory for diagnostics in the field of Cultural Heritage (spectroscopic techniques, chromatographic techniques, colorimetric techniques, microscopic techniques, elemental techniques)
- Skill in the project drafting related to an archaeological object
- Ability to critically discuss the results obtained

To be admitted to the laboratory activity the student must have obtained at least 120 credits

The students, divided into groups, participate in a real exercise of experimental archeology: they will make an object by using ancient technologies. The students will be encouraged to perform a process of reflection on the techniques used linked to the possibility that materials and tools used may be visible in future archeometric research.
The groups, at a later time, will analyze the mock prepared by another teams by the development of a proper diagnostic project. Participants will be engaged in all stages related to the life of the “mock”: construction of the object, use, alteration, discovery and study. The objects will be analyzed with the use of different investigation techniques, able to highlight the morphology and traces of processing (direct and cross-section optical microscopy) and the composition of the layers (spectroscopic techniques, chromatographic techniques). Theoretical and practical notions of rheology will also be provided to investigate the properties (behavior under the action of an effort: spreadability, viscosity) of enamels and coatings, possibly, used for the decoration of the find with a view to the optimal design of the find itself.
The activity involves the development of debates shared between teachers and students to define the possible qualities of both experimental research (mock preparation) and diagnosis and characterization.

Teachers will indicate some reference texts that will be present on moodle

The grade of the activity will be attributed based on the engagement of each student to the practical activities proposed. There is no final theoretical exam, neither oral nor written. The vote will be based on these elements:
- active participation in class, both in theoretical discussions and in practical preparations (max 9 points)
- ability to find additional information during the laboratory in the library, online, on specialized reading (max 9 points)
- ability to design and implement a sufficiently credible diagnostic and characterization project (max 12 points)

Regarding the grading scale, the following criteria are noted:
A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be awarded when:
Sufficient knowledge and understanding is demonstrated in relation to the programme.
Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments.
Sufficient communication skills.
B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be awarded when:
Reasonable knowledge and understanding is demonstrated in relation to the programme.
Reasonable ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments.
Adequate communication skills, particularly concerning the use of the specific language of Cultural Heritage.
C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be awarded when:
Good or excellent knowledge and understanding is demonstrated in relation to the programme.
Good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments.
Fully appropriate communication skills, particularly concerning the use of the specific language of Cultural Heritage.
D. Honours will be awarded when knowledge and understanding related to the programme, judgment capacity, and communication skills are excellent.

Practical activities in the laboratory preceded by theoretical explanations

Italian

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development