Digital Archaeology and LAB
Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher:
DANIELE MALFITANA
Expected Learning Outcomes
Over the last few years,
modern archaeological research has undergone a large revision of research
methods and strategies thanks to an increasingly widespread use of information
technology. Digital Archeology represents the awareness of the role of digital
in all areas of modern archaeological research: from documentation, to
interpretative analysis, from the communication of results to the role and
involvement of the public.
The class aims to introduce
the student to a conscious and critical use of modern IT tools to support
research and knowledge, conservation, use and enhancement of the archaeological
heritage. The aim of the class is to provide a complete and updated overview of
modern ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) applied to
historical-archaeological research. From the analysis of the archaeological
record, to the strategies of documentation, archiving, management and sharing
of results, the theme of the digitization of archaeological data will be the
backbone of the discipline. The solid knowledge of the peculiarities of
material culture in its chrono-typological variability and in the polysemy of
historical meanings constitutes the starting point from which to use, in a
balanced and effective way, modern information technologies for archeology.
Based on the Dublin
descriptors the objectives of the course are:
1) Knowledge and
understanding. Provide students with the knowledge of the development of
archaeological research methodologies through the reconstruction of the
analysis process and applications of digital technologies.
2) Ability to apply
knowledge and understanding. To make the student able to consciously tackle a
research in the field of classical archeology and its methods of analysis,
through the acquisition of the main digital tools useful in the process of
archaeological knowledge. This goal will be achieved by involving the student
and engaging him in field activities.
3) Autonomy of judgment.
Develop in students a critical approach to texts and materials with the ability
to move between the different technologies and application methodologies.
4) Communication skills.
Provide students with a specialized and appropriate lexicon to enable them to
communicate with language properties to the scientific community, especially in
relation to the world of computer science.
5) Learning skills. Develop
autonomy in the ability to identify the most representative scientific texts
and understand them adequately.
Course Structure
The class will take place with a mixes system
between theory and practice on the filed and lectures accompanied by PPT
presentations. For some specific topics covered in the class it will also be
possible to carry out exercises with the involvement of the student,
individually or in groups. There are also guided visits to museums and
archaeological sites. In addition, during the course of the lessons, highly
qualified experts in the field will be invited to offer short seminars (face-to-face
or online) who will illustrate their specific study experiences in order to
increase the student's educational background.
Required Prerequisites
No prerequisites required.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance is not compulsory.
Detailed Course Content
Classes lessons will be structured on a dual
path:
a) From the artefact to the archaeological
data. IT technologies to interpret, manage and share the historical-cultural
values of the archaeological record;
b) Digital archeology. What is digital
archeology. History of the discipline. Potential and limits. Data acquisition,
analysis, management, production of multimedia content to support research,
protection, enhancement, communication and public engagement of the historical
and archaeological heritage.
The topics covered in the lessons will be on:
a) Historical-cultural meanings of the
archaeological record and IT treatment;
b) From the archaeological record to the
Digital Public Archeology: new media and new methods.
c) Digital archeology for teaching,
communication and enhancement of cultural heritage. 2D and 3D digital objects,
virtual reconstruction and innovative forms of dissemination, storytelling.
d) communication of specialist research: case
studies.
The external activities and laboratory
exercises with the use of specific tools will be held by A. Mazzaglia,
qualified associate professor in Archeology, touching on the following topics:
• Databases for archeology;
• Topographic survey, laser scanner, ground
and drone photogrammetry for the management of spatial data through GIS
instrumentation;
• From two-dimensional data to virtual
spaces. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics for historical
reconstruction and communication (digital photography, computer graphics,
virtual and augmented reality).
Textbook Information
- S. Pallecchi, Ritessere
e raccontare. Appunti sulla comunicazione dell’archeologia, Firenze
2023 (pp. 220).
- D. Malfitana – A. Mazzaglia, Archeologia globale a Catania. Nuove prospettive
dall’integrazione di ricerca archeologica e tecnologie ICT. Nuovi dati
sull’anfiteatro romano, in O. Belvedere – J. Bergemann, La Sicilia romana : città e territorio tra
monumentalizzazione ed economia, crisi e sviluppo, Palermo 2018, pp.
327-348 (pdf fornito dal docente) (21 pp.
complessive)
- E. Christillin – C. Greco, Le memorie del futuro. Musei e ricerca,
Torino 2021 (136 pp.)
Furthermore, articles (in pdf) and further
bibliographical data will be provided by the professor during the classes.
Matters of method and applications:
- F. Gabellone, Archeologia
virtuale. Teoria, tecniche e casi di studio, Lecce, 2019 (selezione di 30 pagine indicate dal docente in aula)
Digital archaeology and public:
- G. Volpe, Archeologia
pubblica. Metodi, tecniche, esperienze, Roma 2020 (240 pp. complessive)
Databases, GIS, digital objects, 3d models for
archeology survey (Laser scanner, Photogrammetry)
- A.Mazzaglia, Ricostruzioni
digitali e GIS 3D applicati all’archeologia: Il modello 3D della Necropoli di
Porta Nocera (Pompei), Catania 2019 (selezione di 35 pagine indicate dal docente in aula)
Please remember that in compliance with art 171
L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or
journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.
For further information on sanctions and regulations
concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee
Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione
Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian
Association on Copyright).
All
the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.
VERSIONE IN ITALIANO