Goals and procedures

The program aims to provide a structured training in both the theory and the practice of excavation.

With regard to theory, we presuppose an understanding of the main principles and presuppositions of statigraphic and typological analysis (for which see, e.g., Buccellati, G. 1981 and Harris 1989).

There is no specific instruction in this area, so students are expected to familiarize themselves with the literature, and in particular with the point of view that is presented in my Grammar of the Archaeological Record (cf. also the dedicated volume A Critique of the Archaeological Reason, along with its companion website CAR).

During the course of the season, discussions about theory develops regularly on the occasion of strategy meetings and when ad hoc decisions have to be taken in particular field situations.

There are also, occasionally, formal presentations – when staff members express particular interest in given topics, or when new interpretive problems arise.