Recovering the Humankind's Past and Saving the Universal Heritage

2018/2019

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

2

ECTS credits

Delivered by:

Department of History

Type:

Elective course

When:

1 year, 4 module

Instructor

Loskutova, Marina

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Archaeology is, among human sciences, the discipline with the strongest importance for the rediscovery, but also for the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, as humankind's universal patrimony. Students will be introduced to the way archaeologists reflect on and are engaged with the study of human past: from the practical and material recovery of ancient traces in the field to the study and interpretation. On the other hand, the discovery of human past implies the correct conservation and presentation for both experts and general public: the study and protection of the past we share every day prevent from any possible destruction, misuse, abuse and thus cancellation of human memory. Through an inter-disciplinary perspective, students will follow the evolution and change of archaeology to the moment when natural sciences contributed to make the historical reconstruction scientifically sound; the aid of informatics and of virtual reconstructions gives new fascination to the already strong suggestion of archaeology. The course will focus on actual, innovative instruments to preserve, monitor and give value to cultural heritage. In this course students will learn the basic techniques to digitize cultural objects and obtain 3D digital copies of physical objects. They will also discuss how to structure the raw data in order to facilitate and make effective the access to digital contents.

Learning Objectives

• The course will focus on actual, innovative instruments to preserve, monitor and give value to cultural heritage. In this course students will learn the basic techniques to digitize cultural objects and obtain 3D digital copies of physical objects. They will also discuss how to structure the raw data in order to facilitate and make effective the access to digital contents

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop a basic understanding of the potential and the limitations of archaeological reconstructions
• they will familiarize themselves with recent digital technologies for creating 3D digital copies of archaeological objects and with diverse approaches of using these technologies in museums and heritage industries.

Course Contents

• The recovery of the human past and the protection of the universal heritage
• The birth of archaeology and its role in the contemporary world
• Digitizing cultural objects and 3D virtual reconstruction
• Revision: colloquia

Assessment Elements

• In-class Participation
• Project Work
• Written Assignments (Essay, Test/Quiz, Written Exam, etc.)

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (4 module)
  0.3 * In-class Participation + 0.3 * Project Work + 0.4 * Written Assignments (Essay, Test/Quiz, Written Exam, etc.)

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Castillo, A. (2014). Archaeological Dimension of World Heritage : From Prevention to Social Implications. New York: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=755971

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Shteryo Nozharov. (2015). Economic Dimension of Crimes against Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Heritage. Nauchni Trudove, (1), 125. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.a.nwe.natrud.y2015i1p125.166