Ceramology [ LARKO2250 ]

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Teaching concerns production techniques, and research methods. It presents an overview of the different ceramological categories from Prehistory to Medieval period.

Advanced training for students who specialized in Archaeology. It will confront them to research methods apply to archaeological ceramics.

Written essays.

Lectures, visits, and exercises.

Ceramics - as a category of material culture of ancient societies - are affected by a variety of technical and social dynamics. This means that ceramic studies offer a relevant reading grid to archaeologists for a better understanding of these societies.
In this course not only the material properties of clays and the processes through which these are transformed into ceramics are dealt with, but special attention is also given to the social dimensions of the technological choices made. Moreover, by emphasizing a close connection with the archaeological contexts, a variety of archaeological questions of ceramic material are considered. These issues relate to chronological sequences, regional variations, the organization modes of production, and the distribution and use of ceramics. The different macroscopic and microscopic analytical methods are presented and discussed. Throughout the course, a combination of theory and practice in the study of archaeological ceramics is attempted.

Compulsory readings : Basis bibliography concerning ceramology will be commented during sessions.

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