Archaeology Laboratory

Code: HIS12031L

3 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours

Scientific Area: Archeology

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

It is intended that the student acquires the methodological tools, skills and competences essential for the processing of archaeological artefacts in the laboratory (cleaning, marking, recording, inventory, photography) for their analysis and study

Sustainable Development Goals

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

5. Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

8. Trabalho digno e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

10. Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

11. Cidades e comunidades sustentáveis - Tornar as cidades e os assentamentos humanos inclusivos, seguros, resilientes e sustentáveis.

Learning Goals

Knowledge:
The aim is to introduce students to methodologies for laboratory treatment, analysis and study of archaeological materials and to introduce them to the main processes and methodologies for studying and conserving archaeological remains from their discovery in the field to their storage or exhibition in a museum context.
Skills:
The principal objective is for students to learn how to handle, observe and analyse remains from a multifaceted perspective, to identify, preserve and understand both the intrinsic information offered by the object itself and the extrinsic and contextual information.
The aim is for students to acquire the methodological tools, skills and competencies essential for processing archaeological artefacts and ecofacts in the laboratory (cleaning, marking, recording, inventory, photography), for their analysis and study.

Introduction
1.1. Identification of types of archaeological artefacts
1.2. The main techniques for the treatment of archaeological artefacts
1.3. The recovery and protection of archaeological artefacts
2. The understanding and interpretation of archaeological artefacts
2.1 registration
2.2 Inventory
2.3 photography
3. The drafting, communication and dissemination of archaeological artefacts

Teaching Methods

Being a laboratory subject, the practical component is fundamental and, therefore, not replaceable by distance learning. Continuous assessment is essential. Classes are practical, in a laboratory context, for handling archaeological artefacts, guided and monitored by teachers.
In the laboratory work, emphasis will be placed on direct contact with archaeological materials, so that students can also learn the main laboratory techniques applied to each type of archaeological find. Students are required to produce a report on the work carried out during the laboratory sessions.
The use of AI is optional, but must comply with the provisions of DESPACHO No. 34/2026: Guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching, assessment and learning at UÉ, and must be guided by the lecturer, clearly explained in the introduction/methodology section of the text; the student's work must specify which tool was used, the questions posed to the AI, the AI?s responses, a critical commentary on the results obtained through the AI, and a conclusion. The aim is to develop students? critical thinking and analytical skills.

Assessment

Assessment can be conducted through continuous evaluation or a final exam system.
In continuous evaluation, the student must produce a report on the actions developed during the laboratory activities. The assessment will take into account the work developed by the student in (40%) and the written work (60%)
The assessment through the final exam will comprise a theoretical component (50%) and a practical component (50%). If deemed necessary to assess the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills specified for the course module, the teaching team may call the student to sit an oral examination, in accordance with Article 110 (13) of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, whilst ensuring compliance with the conditions set out in Article 116 (4) and Article 118 (1) of the same Regulations. The oral examination will account for 40% of the final mark for the course unit.