2025
Materials and Structures Archaeological
Name: Materials and Structures Archaeological
Code: HIS12040L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Archeology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, French, Spanish
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
The aim of the course is that the student gets to know different types of archaeological structures, artefacts (lithic, metallic, ceramic, glass and bone) and ecofacts, in a diachronic perspective, and that they are able to identify, characterize and classify them correctly.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The aim is for the student to acquire knowledge and techniques for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of various archaeological remains and their chronological evolution.
Objectives:
Identification of various types of archaeological materials
Identification of the main existing structures in terms of both constituent materials and construction techniques
Awareness of the study and safeguarding of archaeological finds and structures
Knowledge of different preservation and enhancement strategies
Skills:
Mastery of the vocabulary and concepts inherent in the study of materials
Ability to identify and characterize structures and spaces
Mastery of methodologies for surveying, collecting, and inventorying in archaeology
Ability to develop research in the study of archaeological materials
Objectives:
Identification of various types of archaeological materials
Identification of the main existing structures in terms of both constituent materials and construction techniques
Awareness of the study and safeguarding of archaeological finds and structures
Knowledge of different preservation and enhancement strategies
Skills:
Mastery of the vocabulary and concepts inherent in the study of materials
Ability to identify and characterize structures and spaces
Mastery of methodologies for surveying, collecting, and inventorying in archaeology
Ability to develop research in the study of archaeological materials
Contents
I. PREHISTORY
I.1. General principles: materials, methods, and techniques
I.2. Fauna
I.3. Flaked and polished stone tools
I.4. Pottery
II. THE CLASSICAL WORLD
II.1. General principles: materials, methods, and techniques
II.2. Architecture
II.3. Techniques
II.4. Archaeological materials
III. THE MEDIEVAL AND MODERN WORLDS
III.1. General principles: materials, methods, and techniques. Background and evolution
III.2. Archaeological structures: raw materials and construction techniques
III.3. Archaeological structures: Architecture of religious, civil, and military buildings
III.4. Archaeological materials
III.4.1. The production of consumer goods and technologies
III.4.2. Pottery
III.4.3. Glass (technologies, techniques, forms, and functions)
III.4.4. Metals (technologies, techniques, forms, and functions)
III.4.5. Bone and ivory (technologies, techniques, forms, and functions)
I.1. General principles: materials, methods, and techniques
I.2. Fauna
I.3. Flaked and polished stone tools
I.4. Pottery
II. THE CLASSICAL WORLD
II.1. General principles: materials, methods, and techniques
II.2. Architecture
II.3. Techniques
II.4. Archaeological materials
III. THE MEDIEVAL AND MODERN WORLDS
III.1. General principles: materials, methods, and techniques. Background and evolution
III.2. Archaeological structures: raw materials and construction techniques
III.3. Archaeological structures: Architecture of religious, civil, and military buildings
III.4. Archaeological materials
III.4.1. The production of consumer goods and technologies
III.4.2. Pottery
III.4.3. Glass (technologies, techniques, forms, and functions)
III.4.4. Metals (technologies, techniques, forms, and functions)
III.4.5. Bone and ivory (technologies, techniques, forms, and functions)
Teaching Methods
The teaching-learning process will involve both theoretical and practical classes in a ratio of approximately (20-40 classes), alternating between content presentation by the instructor and direct engagement of students with concrete archaeological realities. This will be done through the observation of archaeological remains (artifacts, ecofacts, and structures), as well as through laboratory work and study visits to sites and monuments.
In laboratory work, there will be an emphasis on direct contact with archaeological materials, so that students can also learn the main laboratory techniques applied to each type of archaeological find.
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.
In laboratory work, there will be an emphasis on direct contact with archaeological materials, so that students can also learn the main laboratory techniques applied to each type of archaeological find.
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, a work will be carried out in the classroom context, applying concepts to concrete cases in laboratory practices, which will result in the corresponding laboratory report (50% of the grade) and a test assessing theoretical knowledge (50%).
The final exam will consist of a written test covering all the material taught (100%). 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.
In continuous evaluation, a work will be carried out in the classroom context, applying concepts to concrete cases in laboratory practices, which will result in the corresponding laboratory report (50% of the grade) and a test assessing theoretical knowledge (50%).
The final exam will consist of a written test covering all the material taught (100%). 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.
Accreditations and Certifications
