The subject Archaeological Methodology in History (4th year) is a compulsory subject that is part of the module called “Methodology of History Studies” (M06) of the Degree in History. It aims to introduce students to the main techniques currently used in historical archaeology, considering the whole process, from fieldwork to dissemination.

The course will have a theoretical and a practical part that will be carried out in archaeological sites, specialized seminars, laboratories and computer rooms.

A general knowledge of research procedures in archaeology and their relationship with cultural heritage is essential for students to be able to develop their work satisfactorily in the future in a broad labor market, covering from teaching and research to management and conservation of historical and cultural heritage (administration and private companies).

In this course the main concepts covered in the subjects “Introduction to Archaeology” (1st year), “Archaeology” (2nd year), and in the optional subjects “Questions of Historical and Prehistoric Archaeology” and “Advanced Questions of Archaeology”, taught indistinctly in the third and fourth years, will be taken up again.

In general terms, the subject and the module in which it is inserted are related to the following Basic, General and Transversal competences of the Degree in History (Memoria Verificada):

CB1 - Students have to demonstrate their acquisition of knowledge in an area of study that starts from the basis of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the forefront of their field of study.

CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the development and defense of arguments and problem solving within their area of study.

CB3 – Students have to show ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues.

CB4 - Students should be able to transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences.

CB5 - Students have to develop those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.

G002 - Identify the different historiographical approaches and perspectives that have been given over time and their relationship with the culture of each historical period.

G003 - Know the basic methods and techniques of historical research and show ability to obtain, organize and analyze the different materials and sources of information.

G005 - Show ability to hierarchize and sequence the scientific discourse elaborated by History in the fields of teaching, dissemination and communication.

G006 - Be able to read, analyze, construct and enhance the archaeological record and historical heritage through participation in field and laboratory work.

G004 - Be able to present in oral and/or written form, with formal correctness and appropriate terminology, at least one topic or problem of historical research, so as to show their ability for the proper use of historical, primary and secondary sources.

G007 - Acquire and demonstrate interpersonal skills for teamwork, both in the field of their own discipline and in other interdisciplinary fields.

M06CM05 - Use ICTs as tools to access, process and organize information sources.

M06CM06 - To present in oral and written form essays and historical research, taking special care of the registers of language and the use of ICTs.

M06CM08 - Learn to work in a team.

In particular, the subject and the module in which it is inserted are related to the following specific competences, which in turn mark the evaluation process of the subject through the learning outcomes:

M06CM02 - To know the basic methods of historical research, showing ability to locate, obtain, organize and analyze the different types of documents and sources of information.

M06CM04 - Be able to read and analyze archaeological sources.

M06CM05 - Use ICTs as tools to access, process and organize information sources.

M06CM06 - To present in oral and written form essays and historical research, taking special care of language registers and the use of ICTs.

M06CM07 - Know the main historiographical trends, their relationship with the culture of each historical period and their use in applied research.

M06CM08 - Learning to work in a team.

1. History and written sources

2. Field work

2.1. Prospecting

2.2. Excavation

2.3. Archaeology of architecture

3. Laboratory work

3.1. Study of materials

3.2. Archaeometry

Geoarchaeology and Bioarchaeology 3.4.

3.4. Archaeological Dating Techniques

4. Synthesis, dissemination and socialization

1. Lectures, reading of texts, delivery of a portfolio (individual and group work).

2. Internships in computer classrooms, specialized seminars and in archaeological laboratories.

3. Practical work at archaeological sites.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 50
  • Portfolio (%): 50

1. 50%: Written test.

2. 50%: Portfolio on the topics analyzed and practices carried out (individual and group work).

In order to pass the total of the course it is mandatory to obtain a minimum score in each of the two parts (40%).

Spelling mistakes and lack of expository clarity (both in the exam and in the work) may be penalized.

Students who wish to waive the continuous evaluation must submit a letter indicating such circumstance to the teacher responsible for the subject within a maximum period of 9 weeks from the beginning of the term, and it will be understood that he/she chooses the final evaluation.

The final evaluation will consist of an exam, to be held on the day designated by the Dean's Office of the Center, and the delivery of a portfolio (the same day of the exam), whose theme will have been previously agreed with the teacher. The exam will be different for those who have chosen a continuous evaluation or a final evaluation.

Failure to take the final exam will be sufficient for the final grade of the course to be no-show or no-show.

The extraordinary call will consist of an exam, to be held on the day designated by the Dean's Office of the Center, and the delivery of a portfolio (the same day of the exam), whose theme will have been previously agreed with the teacher.

The work with positive results done by students who have opted for the continuous evaluation in the ordinary exam will be kept for the extraordinary exam. The exam will be different for those who have chosen a continuous evaluation or a final evaluation.

All the material seen throughout the course will be assessed in the exam. The different resources worked on in class (slides, videos, articles, seminars and other materials) will be available in paper and/or digital format, through the e-Gela platform.

Basic bibliography

González Ruibal A., Ayán X., 2018, Arqueología. Una introducción al estudio de la materialidad del pasado, Madrid.

Renfrew C., Bahn P., 2011, Arqueología. Teorías, métodos y prácticas, Madrid

Carver M., 2009, Archaeological Investigation, London

Carandini A., 1997, Historias en la tierra : manual de excavación arqueológica, Barcelona

Orton C., Tyers P., Vince A., 1997, La cerámica en arqueología, Barcelona

In-depth bibliography

Azkarate, A.; Doménech-Belda, C.; Escribano-Ruiz, S.; Gutiérrez Lloret, S.; Kiss, D.; Sánchez Pinto, I.; Solaun, J. L. 2022, Arqueología de la Arquitectura. Una experiencia práctica para el análisis arqueológico de edificios históricos, Alacant
Brothwell D., Pollard A. (eds.), 2001, Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, Chichester
Buxó R., Piqué R., 2008, Arqueobotánica. Los usos de las plantas en la península Ibérica, Barcelona
Campillo D., Subirá M. E., 2004, Antropología física para arqueólogos, Barcelona
Chaix L., Méniel P., 2005, Manual de Arqueozoología, Barcelona
Conolly J., Lake M., 2009, Sistemas de información geográfica aplicados a la arqueología, Barcelona
Domingo I, Burke H., Smith C., 2007, Manual de campo del arqueólogo, Barcelona
Francovich R, Manacorda D., 2001, Diccionario de Arqueología, Barcelona
García Sanjuán L., 2005, Introducción al reconocimiento y análisis arqueológico del territorio, Barcelona
Kelly R. L., Thomas D. H., 2010, Archaeology, Belmont
Manacorda D., 2007, Il sito archeologico: fra ricerca e valorizzazione, Roma
Mannoni T., Giannichedda E., 2003, Arqueología de la producción, Barcelona
Medri M., 2003, Manuale di rilievo archeologico, Roma-Bari
Roskams S, 2002, Teoría y práctica de la excavación, Barcelona
Ubelaker D., 2007, Enterramientos humanos. Excavación, análisis, interpretación, Munibe (Antropología-Arkeologia), Suplemento 24, San Sebastián.

Journals

American Journal of Archaeology, Boston University
Archeologia dell'Architettura, Florencia
Archeologia Medievale, Florencia
Archivo Español de Arqueología
Arqueología de la Arquitectura, Vitoria-Gasteiz
Arqueología y Territorio Medieval, Jaén
Espacio, Tiempo y Forma
Munibe
Hispania Antiqua
Postmedieval Archaeology

Web addresses

http://dialnet.unirioja.es/
http://www.biblioarqueologia.com/
http://www.euskadi.eus/eusko-jaurlaritza/kultura-ondarearen-zentroa/