Material processing of pottery from the ancient world

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

At least 60 credits in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History or Archaeology.

Pottery is one of the most common, durable, and complex artifacts found in archaeological investigations throughout the Mediterranean basin. At the same time, pottery is also a very useful resource for understanding our past. An important part of archaeological research is the analysis of pottery as it provides the basis for studying a wide range of topics such as chronology, technology, diet, societal development, trade and economy, migration and mobility, and demography.

The overall goal of this course is to introduce and familiarize students with the material processing of pottery from different parts of the ancient world, from the prehistoric period to the Graeco-Roman cultures. We will review a wide variety of analytical approaches to the study of pottery, including scientific methods, but the emphasis will be on methodology and development of practical skills. The course consists of a combination of lectures and workshops, through which the student will learn how to systematically categorize different ceramic wares and fabrics from the broader Mediterranean area, how to interpret and compose a technical drawing of a sherd, how to digitize such drawings and prepare them for publication, how to methodically describe and document pottery sherds, and how to handle and make use of pottery in archaeological analysis. The knowledge, skills, and competences gained through the course will not only provide students with analytical tools fundamental to the study and visual presentation of pottery, but also to the study and visual presentation of material culture in general.

On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the different stages of the material processing of pottery, including sorting, drawing, digitalisation, and inventorying,
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the main methodologies used in pottery analysis and their applicability in relation to the research question(s) at hand,
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of how research on pottery is disseminated as well as the potential of the study of pottery to archaeological research.

Competence and skills

• identify the form, surface treatment, and fabric of pottery, and critically consider the correlation of these elements to the production of the vessel,
• apply the specialized techniques and practices taught in the course, including sorting, drawing, digitalisation, and inventorying,
• be familiar with laborative methods i pottery studies,
• make use of pottery in archaeological analysis in order to answer the research question(s) at hand.

Judgment and approach

• evaluate and critically reflect upon the different analytical and methodological procedures used for the study of pottery and their applicability,
• analyse and assess relevant scholarship concerning the complexities of the visual presentation of pottery.

Teaching includes lectures and mandatory workshops.

Language: English

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U).

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Drawing skills are not required in order to attend the course.