The course focuses on learning the foundations of Ethnoarchaeology and Experimental Archaeology through theoretical and practical sessions, incorporating both classical and contemporary ethnoarchaeological references to contextualize the relationship between human behaviour and the material record. Practical work will allow students to become familiar with the design and development of experimental programs applied to different materials, promoting an understanding of the technical and social processes involved in the production and use of materials, as well as their interpretation through ethnographic parallels.

1. Guided/Theoretical Activities

Theoretical classes will present the contents of the course, providing a comprehensive and integrative overview, in combination with active learning activities that will allow for a more detailed analysis of key aspects. Student participation and the development of critical thinking will be encouraged throughout all the classes.

2. Laboratory Activities

Practical sessions will involve experimental activities aimed at developing and evaluating the ability to obtain meaningful data based on concepts acquired in theoretical sessions. Laboratory activities are primarily conceived as experimental practical classes. These sessions are exclusively hands-on. Students will carry out techno-functional processes using the same materials and tools as in the past. The aim is to practically and manually address aspects previously studied in theoretical classes, consolidating acquired knowledge through material engagement. These sessions will often include experimental demonstrations by the instructor to allow direct engagement with the technological practices studied.

3. PCAM (Fieldwork). Visit to the Pre-Industrial Experimental Space of Forallac (Baix Empordà)

4. Autonomous Learning

Based on theoretical and practical sessions, students will further develop and consolidate key concepts through the design of an experimental program, deepening their skills in planning, execution, results analysis, and critical interpretation.

Specific Training Activities

Block 1. Visit to the Pre-Industrial Experimental Space of Forallac

Visit to the charcoal kiln, pitch kiln, and pottery kiln.

1.1. Laboratory practice: analysis of the pre-industrial experimental space of Forallac.

Block 2. Laboratory Practices: Spatial Distribution, Taphonomy, and Post-Depositional Processes

2.1. Design and execution of an experiment on spatial dispersion of materials and trampling effects.

2.2. Simulation of taphonomic and post-depositional processes in different archaeological contexts.

2.3. Excavation, recording, and documentation of experimentally generated remains.

2.4. Analysis of experimental results and interpretation of archaeological formation processes.

Block 3. Laboratory Practices: Analysis of Fire Use — Production, Maintenance, and Use

3.1. Experimentation with fire ignition techniques and fuel procurement.

3.2. Construction, maintenance, and management of experimental hearths.

3.3. Archaeological analysis of combustion structures: characterization of stratigraphy, ash, charcoal, and thermal alteration of materials.

3.4. Excavation and documentation of experimental combustion structures.

Block 4. Laboratory Practices: Experimental Analysis of the Production, Maintenance, and Use of Artifacts

4.1. Stone transformation: fracture, pecking, and polishing.

4.2. Plant fiber processing: acquisition, transformation, and production. Ropemaking and basketry.

4.3. Bone industry production processes: fracture, grooving, scraping, and polishing.

4.4. Bronze metallurgy: construction of a furnace, copper reduction, and production of metal objects.

4.5. Archaeological analysis of metallurgical processes: excavation and documentation of the furnace, study of slag, fuels, and other production residues.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Class attendance is mandatory. A minimum attendance of 80% of sessions is required to pass the course. Attendance and participation (10% of the final grade).

Exam (30% of the final grade).

Two coursework assignments (10% and 50% of the final grade). One consists of a portfolio reflecting practical activities carried out during the course (10%), and the other (50%) involves the conceptualization, design, and implementation of an experimental program.

To pass the course, a minimum overall score of 4.9 out of 10 must be achieved.

At the time of each assessment activity, instructors will provide details (Moodle, SIA, etc.) regarding procedures and grade review dates.

Requirements to Pass the Course

• 80% attendance
• Submission of assignments within established deadlines
• Minimum average grade of 4.9 out of 10, with at least 4 out of 10 in each assessment component
• A student will be considered “not assessed” if they do not submit 30% of graded activities, fail to meet attendance requirements, or do not sit the exam

Resitting

Students who have submitted all assessment components on time may will be able to resit. Only the written exam is eligible for retake.

Any irregularity affecting assessment will result in a grade of 0 for that activity, regardless of disciplinary procedures. Multiple irregularities will result in a final course grade of 0.

This course does not offer a single-assessment (one-off evaluation) system.

Use of AI

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is allowed, provided the final work reflects significant student contribution in analysis and critical reflection. Students must:

(i) identify which parts were generated using AI;

(ii) specify the tools used;

(iii) include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and results.

Lack of transparency in AI use will be considered academic misconduct and will result in a grade of 0 for the activity, with no possibility of resubmission, and potentially further sanctions.

Note: 15 minutes of a class session will be allocated for students to complete teaching and course evaluation surveys.