Scientific Approaches to Archaeological Ceramic Analysis: A Practical and Theoretical Introduction

The annual intensive short course on Scientific Approaches to Archaeological Ceramic Analysis, taught by Patrick Quinn, will take place at the UCL Institute of Archaeology from 23-28 July.

This intensive course delivers a solid practical and theoretical introduction to the scientific analysis of pottery and other ceramics within archaeology. It provides in-depth training in the principles of thin section ceramic petrography and its role alongside instrumental geochemistry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microanalysis in the interpretation of pottery provenance and manufacturing technology.

The course consists of lectures and laboratory classes, which follow daily themes. A fieldtrip offers participants an opportunity to examine rocks and clay resources in the field and links the geological and archaeological portions of the course.

Upon completion of the course, participants should have attained the key knowledge and practical skills required to undertake masters dissertations and doctoral research projects in scientific ceramic analysis. Key learning outcomes are an appreciation of the role of ceramic analysis in archaeology and specific skills in the interpretation of ceramics in thin section.

Further details

• Scientific Approaches to Archaeological Ceramic Analysis course page