This version of the course guide is provisional until the period for editing the new course guides ends.
Introduction to Archaeology
Code: 100720 ECTS Credits: 62025/2026
| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Studies | FB | 1 |
Contact
- Name:
- Esther Rodrigo Requena
- Email:
- esther.rodrigo@uab.cat
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required to enroll
Objectives and Contextualisation
The objectives of the first year (with 60 compulsory basic education credits) are to provide the student with basic training in archeology, history and other social disciplines, and familiarize themselves with historical-archaeological matters that will be developed in later courses. Thus, half of the credits correspond to the subject History, which is composed of the subject Introduction to Archeology, and a subject for each one of the great historical periods (Prehistory, Ancient History, Medieval History, and Modern History i Contemporaria). The remaining 30 credits correspond to subjects of a social nature that must complement the archeology's literary education such as art, philosophy, anthropology and language. Therefore, while from the subject History begins to the student in the two big blocks of knowledge that compose the degree - those of historical type and those of methodological type -, it is exclusively Introduction to the Archeology that has the responsibility Provide solid foundations on which methodological knowledge must be built throughout the degree. With this objective and with which to provide a panoramic view of the discipline, it is composed of brushstrokes of very diverse subjects and contains excavation practices.
Specifically, the training objectives of the subject are:
1) To provide students with a panoramic view of archeology and the process that involves an archaeological research project.
In this sense, mainly, it is intended that the student:
- Become familiar with the concept of scientific archeology and with the information that can contribute to the analysis and interpretation of the archaeological remains
- reflect on the social importance of archaeological heritage.
- acquire notions about the main methods of archaeological research
2) Thatthe student knows and applies the essential methodology to develop a bibliographic research work (eg bibliographic research, structure, formal aspects, etc.).
3) That the student acquires essential practical knowledge of excavation.
4) That the student acquires first knowledge about different deposits of Catalonia.
Competences
- Apply the main methods, techniques and instruments of historical analysis.
- Demonstrate the basic skills needed to participate in an archaeological excavation and be able to interpret its findings.
- Dominate the use of specific instruments, with special attention to digital tools, for analysing the ancient world.
- Students must be capable of collecting and interpreting relevant data (usually within their area of study) in order to make statements that reflect social, scientific or ethical relevant issues.
- Students must have and understand knowledge of an area of study built on the basis of general secondary education, and while it relies on some advanced textbooks it also includes some aspects coming from the forefront of its field of study.
- Understand and interpret the evolution of ancient societies in the Mediterranean – from Egyptian civilisation to the disbanding of Western imperial Rome – through analysis of the political, historical, social, economic and linguistic factors.
- Use techniques of compilation, organisation and use of information and documentation related to Antiquity with precision.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the political, social and economic reality of the peoples of the Near East in antiquity.
- Identify and assess the different stages in the historical evolution of the civilisations of the ancient Near East and their main cultural achievements.
- Identifying the specific methods of history and their relationship with the analysis of particular facts.
- Interpret ancient societies from an analysis of the surviving material vestiges of these.
- Interpret material sources and the archaeological register.
- Interpret textual and iconographic documents as sources for learning about the political, socioeconomic and cultural history of the ancient Near East.
- Mastering the general diachronic structure of the past.
- Organise and plan the search for historical and archaeological information.
- Organising and planning the search of historical information.
- Use digital tools to gather, classify, interpret and publish significant data for studying antiquity.
- Use the basic digital tools needed in professional practice related to studies in classical antiquity.
Content
Programming of the subject - Introduction to archeology
Presentation of the subject
1. The Concept of archeology and its evolution throughout history
The current concept of archeology
Evolution of the current concept of archeology
New schools of archaeological thinking
2. The detection of an archaeological site: documentation and prospection
Occasional finds
Bibliographic documentation
Aerial recognition and remote sensing
Superficial prospection of a territory
Geophysical survey and other prospecting methods
3. Prospection project - student work
Preparation of the work and preparation of the presentation
Presentations
4. The archaeological excavation
The archeological excavation as a method to reconstruct the history of the deposits
Methods of archaeological excavation
Basic principles of archaeological stratigraphy
Individualization and excavation of stratigraphic units
The documentation of the excavation: recording of the site and databases
The reconstruction and dating of the stratigraphic sequence
i. The concept of relative and absolute chronology
ii. Thestratigraphic relationships and the Harris method
iii. Ceramics and other dating elementsas a fossil director of stratigraphy
5. Scientific methods of absolute dating
Types of materials
Methods based on annual cycles: dendrochronology, varves
Radioactive systems:
i. The Carbon 14
ii. The Thermoluminescence
Relative calibrated methods: archeomagnetism or rehydroxylation
6. Material culture
Type of material - preservation conditions
Samples of soils, paleofaunes and paleobotany
7. The Interpretation of Archaeological Evidence
The diet Alimentaria
Exchange-Trade
The religious sphere, ritual, ideology ...
8. Teaching and dissemination of heritage
9. Archeology in Catalonia today: legislation and the world of work
Legislation and the world of work
10. Underwater archeology
Historical introduction
Types of underwater deposits
Information that subaquatic archeology can provide
Documentation and prospecting
Underwater excavation tasks
Conservation of materials
11. The conservation ofarchaeological sites and the social importance of archeology
Public archeology
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Classroom activities | 35 | 1.4 | 10, 3, 5, 4, 8, 11 |
| Field trips | 21 | 0.84 | 10, 5, 4, 9, 8, 11 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Identification and differentiation of an archaeological stratigraphy | 5 | 0.2 | 10, 5, 8 |
| Visit to an archaeological site | 5 | 0.2 | 5, 8 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Exercises and bibliographical research work | 20 | 0.8 | 7, 3, 5, 8 |
| Study and reading about the matter taught in class | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 7, 10, 3, 2, 6, 5, 4, 9, 8 |
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Dirigidas |
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Classroom activities: - master class - Practical exercises: introduction and/or review of teaching units and application of theoretical concepts to practice. - reading press articles with the subsequent debate - videos |
34h 30’ |
Use the main methods or techniques in archaeological research - Acquire qualifications for team work - Acquire qualifications for debate based on specialized knowledge |
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Activities in the field Theoretical concepts and practical application of these concepts: -Introduction to jaciment - Archaeological topography - Excavation documentation - Tractament and classification of archaeological materials. |
18 |
-Develop some first qualifications regarding the different processes involved in archaeological excavation.. |
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Supervised |
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Camp practices: - Observation and analysis of the different stratigraphic units in an archaeological site: Torre Llauder |
10h |
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Visit at Torre Llauder |
5h |
Acquire knowledge about the possibilities of archaeological diffusion from an example of significant archaeological discovery |
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Autònomas |
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Exercises and bibliographic research work |
48 h |
- Put into practice different bibliographic research strategies and take advantage of the UAB's resources (with data bases). |
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Study and read about the subject taught in class |
30 h 30’ |
Consolidate Knowledge |
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case studies and corresponding oral presentations | 15% | 15 | 0.6 | 1, 7, 10, 3, 2, 6, 5, 9, 8, 11 |
| Exercises and bibliographical research work | 25% | 25 | 1 | 7, 10, 3, 2, 5, 8 |
| Subject theory test Block II | 30% | 2 | 0.08 | 1, 7, 10, 3, 2, 6, 5, 4, 9, 8, 11 |
| Theoretical test Block I | 30% | 2 | 0.08 | 7, 10, 3, 2, 6, 5, 4, 9, 8, 11 |
Evaluation indicators:
1. Theoretical test I (30%).
There will be two partial examinations to evaluate the theory
Evaluation system:
The concepts taught in class will be evaluated based on a topic-based question - of analysis and synthesis and, optionally, also of critical reflection - to choose between two options.
Competencies to demonstrate to obtain optimal evaluation results:
Knowledges:
A correct assimilation of the knowledge taught in class and its deepening, as a minimum, from one of the bibliographical citations of the basic bibliography for each teaching unit. In case you have not used bibliography to deepen the concepts you will have the option to approve but not to the qualifications of remarkable or excellent.
Abilities:
- Analyze and synthesize information, distinguishing the importance of high school.
- Develop a critical thinking and reasoning.
- Be able to communicate appropriately the acquired knowledge. Write with grammar correction and use appropriate vocabulary and academic style, as well as a specific technical vocabulary and interpretation.
- Master the necessary languages to be able to deepen the class contents with the appropriate bibliography.
- Have developed autonomous learning abilities to deepen the classroom content with the appropriate bibliography.
2. Theoretical test I (30%).
There will be two partial examinations to evaluate the theory
Evaluation system:
The concepts taught in class will be evaluated based on a topic-based question - of analysis and synthesis and, optionally, also of critical reflection - to choose between two options.
Competencies to demonstrate to obtain optimal evaluation results:
Knowledges:
A correct assimilation of the knowledge taught in class and its deepening, as a minimum, from one of the bibliographical citations of the basic bibliography for each teaching unit. In case you have not used bibliography to deepen the concepts you will have the option to approve but not to the qualifications of remarkable or excellent.
Abilities:
- Analyze and synthesize information, distinguishing the importance of high school.
- Develop a critical thinking and reasoning.
- Be able to communicate appropriately the acquired knowledge. Write with grammar correction and use appropriate vocabulary and academic style, as well as a specific technical vocabulary and interpretation.
- Master the necessary languages to be able to deepen the class contents with the appropriate bibliography.
- Have developed autonomous learning abilities to deepen the classroom content with the appropriate bibliography.
3. Exercises and bibliographical research work (25%).
Competencies to demonstrate to obtain optimal evaluation results:
Knowledges:
- Be able to develop a formally correct research work both in terms of structure and references and bibliographical citations.
- Demonstrate a correct assimilation of the exposed contents.
Abilities:
- Analyze and synthesize information, distinguishing the importance of high school.
- Develop a critical thinking and reasoning.
- Write with grammar correction and use appropriate vocabulary and academic style, as well as a specific technical vocabulary and interpretation.
- Search, select and manage information independently, both in structural sources (databases, bibliographies, specialized journals) and in information distributed on the network.
- Use basic computer tools (such as word processors or databases).
- Skills for team work: commitment with the team, collaboration habit and ability to incorporate in the resolution of problems.
- Have developed autonomous learning abilities.
4. Case studies and individual dossier (15%).
Competencies to be demonstrated for the obtaining of optimal evaluation results:
Knowledges:
- Respond to all questions raised in the reference scripts of the activities.
- Demonstrate a correct assimilation of the exposed contents.
Abilities:
- Ability to connect theoretical contents with archaeological practice.
- Make clear oral presentations, structured, didactic, and use appropriate vocabulary and academic style.
- Analyze and synthesize information, distinguishing the importance of high school.
- Develop a critical thinking and reasoning.
- Search, select and manage information independently, both in structural sources (databases, bibliographies, specialized journals) and in information distributed on the network.
- Use basic computer tools (such as the Power Point).
- Skills for team work: commitment with the team, collaboration habit and ability to incorporate in the resolution ofproblems.
- Ability to debate based on specialized knowledge acquired.
- Master the necessary languages to be able to carry out the relevant readings.
- Have developed autonomous learning abilities.
Competencies to demonstrate to obtain optimal evaluation results:
Knowledges:
-Demonstrate that they have been gaining knowledge of archaeological stratigraphy, excavation documentation, and treatment and classification of materials.
Abilities:
- Skills for team work: commitment with the team, collaboration habit and ability to incorporate in the resolution of problems.
Attitudes:
- Dynamism.
- Responsibility.
- Constance.
Single evaluation. Degree of Antique Science:
This subject/module does not foresee the single evaluation system
This subject/module does not foresee the single evaluation system
Evaluation conditions:
- There will be a single call.
- The delayed delivery of the assessment activities without having previously agreed with the teaching staff will be reduced by 10% of the mark for each day of delay.
Not Submitted
Students will obtain a Not assessed/Not submitted course grade unless they have submitted more than 30% of the assessment items.
- If the mark of 50% or more of the assessment activities is less than 5 out of 10, there will be no average between the different activities and the subject will not be approved.
On carrying out each evaluation activity, lecturers will inform students (on Moodle) of the procedures to be followed for reviewing all grades awarded, and
the date on which such a review will take place.
Use of artificial intelligence
This subject entirely prohibits the use of AI technologies in all of its activities. Any submitted work that contains content generated using AI will be considered academic dishonesty; the
corresponding grade will be awarded a zero, without the possibility of reassessment. In cases of greater infringement, more serious action may be taken.
Plagiarism
In the event of a student committing any irregularity that may lead to a significant variation in the grade awarded to an assessment activity, the student will be given
a zero for this activity, regardless of any disciplinary process that may take place. In the event of several irregularities in assessment activities of the same subject,
the student will be given a zero as the final grade for this subject
Conditions for re-evaluation
They must have been submitted to all the tests that appear in the teaching guide of the subject of the current year.
Revaluation calendar
The dates of the reassessment exams are determined by the faculty. It is the responsibility of each one to know the date that corresponds to do the re-evaluation of the your subject
Bibliography
General bibliography
Álvarez Pérez, A .; Rodà, I. eds. (1992): Sciences, methodologies and techniques applied to archeology. Barcelona etc .: Caja de Pensiones Foundation, etc.
Colomer, L.; González Marcén, P.; Montón, S.; Picazo, M. (Comp.), 1999, Arqueología y teoría feminista, Col. Icaria, El Escorial.
Domingo, I .; Burke, H .; Smith, C. (2007): Field Manual of the archaeologist. Barcelona: Ariel.
Fernandez, V. (1994): Theory and method of archeology. 1 ed. 1990. Madrid: Editorial Synthesis.
Greene, K. (2004): Archeology: an introduction. 1st and 1983. London and New York: Routledge.
Ramos, R. (1987): Archeology. Methods and techniques. 1st ed. 1977. Barcelona: Edicions Bellaterra.
Renfrew, C.; Bahn, P. (2007): Archeology. Theories, Methods and practice. 1st ed. 1993. Madrid: Akal.
Topic 1. The concept of archeology and its evolution throughout history.
Bahn, P. G. (1996): The Cambridge illustrated history of archeology. Cambridge etc. Cambridge University Press.
Daniel, G. E. (1981): A Short History of Archeology. London: Thames and Hudson.
Gamble, C. (2002): Basic Archeology. Barcelona: Ariel.
Pallottino, M. (1980): Who is the archeology. Florence: Sansoni.
Schnapp, A. (1993): La Conquête du passé: aux origins of archeology. Paris: Carre.
Trigger, B. G. (1992): History of archaeological thinking. Barcelona: Criticism.
Topic 2. Archeology in Catalonia today: archeological legislation and the world of work and Theme 3. The conservation of archaeological sites and the social importance of archeology.
Queral, M.A .; Martínez, B. (1996): The management of the archaeological heritage in Spain. Madrid: Editorial Alliance.
Topic4. The detection of archaeological sites: documentation and prospection.
Bowden, M. (1999): Unravelling the landscape. An Inquisitive Approach to Archeology. Stroud: Tempus.
Dabas, M ... and others. (1998): The prospection.Collection "Archéologiques". Paris: Editions errance.
García Sanjuán, L. (2005): Introducción al Reconocimiento y Análisis Arqueológico del Territorio. Barcelona: Ariel.
Wiseman, J., El-Baz, F. (2007): Remote Sensing in Archeology (Interdisciplinary contributions to archeology). New York: Springer Sicence and Bussines Media.
Aerial acknowledgments:
Wilson, D.R. (2000): Air Photo Interpretation for Archeologists. 1st ed.1982. Stroud: Tempus.
Surface Prospection:
White, G .; King, T. (2006): The Archaeological Survey Manual. Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press Inc.
Geophysical survey:
Clark, A. (2004): Seing Beneath the Soil. Prospecting methods in archeology. 1st ed.1990. New York: Routledge.
Topic 5. The stratigraphic excavation.
Carandini, A. .. (1997): Historias en la tierra. Archaeological excavation manual. 1st ed. 1981. Barcelona: Editorial Crítica. Barcelona.
Harris, E. (1991): Principles of archaeological stratigraphy. 1st ed. 1989. Barcelona: Critical Editorial.
Roskams, S. (2003): Theory and practice of excavation. Barcelona: Criticism.
Topic 6. Scientific methods of absolute dating.
Aitken, M..J. (1990): Science-based dating in archeology. London and New York: Logman.
Aitken, M.J. Ed. (1997): Chronometric dating in archeology. Series Advances in archeology and museum science, 2. New York and London: Plenum Press.
Barrandon, J-N. ; Guibert, P.; Michel, V. Eds. (2001): Rencontres internationales d'archéologie et d'histoire d'Antibes (21st: 2000: Antibes). Datation: events from meetings, 19-20-21 October 2000. Antibes: APDCA.
Langouet, L.; Giot, P.R. (1992): The Datation du passe: the measure of time in archeology. Supérieure de la Revue d'Archéometrie. Rennes: G.M.P.C.A., 1992
Topic 7. The work of bibliographic research.
Catalan Language Office of the UAB (1995): References and bibliographical citations, notes and indexes. Bellaterra (Barcelona): Servei de Publicacions de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Software
No specific software required
Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 2 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PCAM) Field practices | 21 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PCAM) Field practices | 22 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PCAM) Field practices | 23 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (TE) Theory | 2 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |