Bachelor's Degree in Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World

1° Course Year

• Archaeology of Western Asia: Ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, the Levant, and the Eastern Mediterranean
• Greek and Roman History
• Intellectual History of the Ancient Near East: the Origin of Accounting Systems in Comparative Perspective
• Introduction to pharaonic Egypt: mind and memory of an ancient civilization
• Public and Community Archaeology and Digital Cultural Heritage
• The Bhagavad Gita: the Gospel of India

Elective courses (1° Course Year)

• Archaeology of the Silk Road
• Classical Mythology and its Media
• Classical Wisdom in Arabic Garb
• Elements of Christian Culture
• History of Classical Tradition in European Art
• History of Pre-Modern Science and Technology
• Interculturality and Exchange in Medieval Latin Literature
• Introduction to Byzantine Civilization
• Introduction to Chinese Thought
• Introduction to Japanese Culture and Literature
• Origins of Western Philosophy
• Prehistory of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean
• The Jews: History, Culture, and Religion

2° Course Year

• Cultural Anthropology
• Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology in the Mediterranean World
• Introduction to Greek Literature
• Introduction to Latin Literature
• Teaching workshop: Theories, techniques, and tools for cultural communication

Elective courses (2° Course Year)

• Same as 1° Course Year Electives

3° Course Year (Available as of academic year 2025/26)

• Art and Law
• History of Chinese and Japanese Art
• History of Coins
• History of Indian Art
• Introduction to Italian Literature

Elective courses (3° Course Year)

• Same as 1° Course Year Electives

Knowledge and Understanding

Among the expected learning outcomes, primary importance is given to the acquisition of a basic knowledge and understanding of the different forms and languages of artistic and material production in diachrony and synchrony. Equally important is the history of the ancient civilizations covered in the program, including the intangible aspects of their culture (literary production, philosophical thought, religious expressions, law, and so on). Graduates are also expected to know and understand the fundamental practices inherent to the protection, enhancement, and circulation of the Cultural Heritage as well as the theoretical cornerstones, methodological foundations, and basic tools in the relevant disciplines. Students are also provided with basic linguistic training in Ancient Greek and Latin. Each course usually includes the study of introductory elements and appropriate forms of in-depth analysis through case studies. The expected learning outcomes are achieved and assessed through multiple teaching/learning tools, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, and group work. The overall assessment of knowledge and understanding is done through written or oral exams.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

The Bachelor's program promotes a multidisciplinary approach, with a view to applying acquired knowledge and methodologies to different Cultural Heritage contexts. Through appropriate examples and case studies, graduates will learn how to: discuss and evaluate such issues as the different forms and languages of tangible and intangible Cultural Heritage as well as their relationship in synchrony and diachrony; analyze the cultural assets and put them in context, making use of appropriate technical terminology; read and contextualize the relevant sources (historical, philosophical, anthropological, religious, literary and legal) and apply the tools of historical-cultural investigation to various civilizations; effectively use the tools, methodologies and scientific literature used in the relevant disciplines as well as the tools of basic communication for diversified audiences. A problem-solving perspective in teaching/learning approaches will inform all courses, with a view to promoting the students active participation and helping them to apply their knowledge and understanding. An overarching goal will be to enhance such skills through internships in institutions, companies, and public or private foundations that variously operate in the sector of Cultural Heritage. Assessment will include written and oral exams as well as workshops and internships where students are expected to solve specific problems or deal with practical activities (e.g. archaeological excavation). An overall assessment of this ability is carried out through the supervised preparation and discussion of the concluding dissertation.

Making Judgements, Communication, Learning Skills

Graduates are expected to know how to navigate different approaches and methodologies and how to identify consistent results; to grasp, interpret, and historically contextualize the diversity and otherness of different civilizations without bias; and to critically discuss the value and role of past civilizations to understand the present. Graduates will be aware of social and ethical responsibilities arising from the management of Cultural Heritage. Furthermore, graduates will acquire specific communication skills, such as the ability to effectively interact with the general public and various institutions in the world of Cultural Heritage; the ability to communicate with specialized operators in a clear and convincing way; the ability to explain clearly, in written and oral form, the knowledge and methodologies they have learned. Moreover, graduates are expected to show a good command of their learning skills in order to further pursue their studies with a satisfactory degree of autonomy and to develop an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach. They will also possess the ability to develop questions in a clear and articulated way in order to expand and enrich their knowledge and competencies. All these skills and abilities are assessed through written or oral exams as well as through the supervised preparation and discussion of the concluding dissertation.

The Bachelor's program prepares graduates to find employment as Cultural Operators in charge of multifarious services such as: Responsible for the management and/or implementation of reception services at archaeological sites, museums, exhibitions, cultural associations, foundations, or similar bodies and institutions; Collaborator in the cataloging of cultural heritage in foundations, cultural associations, auction houses, or similar bodies and institutions; Assistant Curator to organize exhibitions and cultural events; Excavation Technician, Excavation Assistant and similar; Technician of museums and similar.

A curricular internship involving specific initial training may result in further jobs such as Collaborator of cultural volunteering networks; Art Handler in charge of Fine Arts custom operations; or Fine Art Specialist in a logistics company. Furthermore, graduates will be able to find employment as Cultural Communicators and Popularizers or Consultants for the entertainment industry in a historical-cultural setting. Finally, subject to further qualifying post-graduate training, graduates will be able to find employment as tourist guides.