The Degree course provides full advanced training in Archaeology, with respect, in particular, to classic archaeology, which benefits of a long study tradition in the University of Palermo, as well as to pre-classic and post-classic archaeology, and to applied sciences. The course has a strong humanistic approach, aiming at providing students not only with the historical understanding of archaeological evidence (sites, monuments or artifacts), but also with the ability to situate it in its context independently and critically, drawing on various documentary sources, from literary or epigraphic text to the evidences of the settlement or material culture.
The course also provides methodological and applied expertise, thanks to the technical and scientific subjects (applied physics and chemistry for archaeology) and laboratory activities, also aiming at the experimentation of computer tools for recording, analyzing, querying and processing archaeological data. Through practical activities included in the field of “other educational activities” and internships/stage at Agnecies and Institutions for the management and defence of Cultural Heritade, students acquire the ability to conduct field work (whether archaeological excavation, surface research or analysis of artifacts) independently, but under the guidance of a research manager and/or within work groups. Students will autonomously choose the specific curriculum best fitting their personal interests, in the field of classical , post-classical or middle East archaeology, with a historical-artistic approach, or an approach focusing on material culture and settlements, or on methodology and applied sciences. Laboratory and/or field activities are awarded with adequate credits, giving students the chance to learn specific experimental techniques and to practice various archaeological disciplines on field (through excavation, landscape archaeological research, analysis of artifacts).
Given the commitment in terms of time for gathering, classifying and processing research data, the final examination is awarded with the maximum number of possible credits. Particular attention is paid to study experiences abroad, through the Erasmus programme, namely with the University of Gottingen.
