The course, following the history of urban and extra-urban landscapes of Rome and Ostia, provides students with a deep understanding of the main methodologies and tools used for the digitization and management of digital cultural heritage. In addition to the history of the analysis and reconstruction of ancient landscapes, the course introduces topics such as the definition and importance of digital cultural heritage, the principles of digitization, and the fundamental role of Italian and European regulations in the management of digital resources. Students will learn to use the various digitization techniques, including photography, 3D scanning and virtual restoration methodologies, to develop the skills necessary in the sector. They will also be introduced to the use of the main platforms (.g. Sigec web) managed by the MiC (Ministry of Culture) for the different domains (e.g. ABAP - Art, artistic and landscape heritage) and will learn about the different problems related to the correct archiving, description, cataloging, metadata and conservation of digital objects. The analysis of European and Italian regulations will provide a solid basis for complying with current laws and will be accompanied by the presentation of the history and fundamental functions of the ICCD (Central Institute for Cataloging and Documentation). At the end of the course, students will acquire skills in the use of modern digitization technologies for the valorization and use of cultural heritage; they will be able to design, manage and evaluate digitization and use projects specific to the cultural heritage sector and will be able to critically evaluate the emerging trends in the field of digital methodologies for cultural heritage.

The course includes lectures accompanied by practical exercises aimed at understanding the correct use of procedures and digital tools. It covers, over six weeks, the following topics:

Week I

In the first week, the European concept of digital cultural heritage and the digital representation of objects, documents, or culturally significant places are introduced. The necessity and objectives of digitization projects and activities, their role in preservation and accessibility, are explored. The Italian and European regulations governing digital cultural assets are discussed, with a focus on relevant laws and directives. Finally, issues related to digital archiving are addressed, emphasizing the importance of accurate metadata management for the long-term preservation of digital cultural assets.

Week II

Specific challenges related to the digitization of three-dimensional objects are analyzed, highlighting advanced solutions and best practices. Specific photographic techniques used to document and enhance cultural assets are presented along with current Italian regulations on digital reproductions, paying attention to restrictions and associated rights. The topic of virtual restoration is then examined, particularly how 3D is employed in the digital preservation process. The use of advanced technologies to digitally restore objects damaged over time is discussed, along with advanced applications of digitization for the enhancement of artistic heritage.

Week III

Digitization techniques applied to historical documents and archives are explored, focusing on the preservation of texts, manuscripts, and important documents. Challenges related to the management of digital archives are analyzed, with references to Italian regulations. The major platforms used by the Ministry of Culture (e.g., Sigec for ABAP domain; Sbnweb for library assets; Manus or Siae for archival assets) for managing different digital cultural assets are considered. Methods for organizing data coherently, facilitating search, and ensuring integrity are discussed.

Week IV

Practical applications of virtual and augmented reality in the enhancement and accessibility of digital cultural assets are considered. Italian regulations governing the use of these technologies in cultural contexts are explored, addressing aspects of accessibility and user experience. Challenges and issues related to digital storytelling in Virtual Museums are discussed, analyzing case studies and involving students in creating a cultural narrative through the use of digital tools. Digital Humanities and their role in the context of digital cultural assets are also explored.

Week V

Tools and methodologies for data analysis in digital cultural assets are presented. Statistical and interpretative analysis practices are examined, with particular attention to the privacy and security of cultural data, in accordance with European and Italian regulations. Students then explore platforms and tools for e-learning in the cultural sector, specifically addressing the design of online courses dedicated to digital cultural assets.

Week VI

In the final week, key course concepts are reviewed, reflecting on emerging trends, challenges in the field of digital methodologies for cultural assets, and a special focus on future perspectives. Possibilities for students to present projects in the field of Digital Humanities are discussed, with a specific focus on European funding programs for researcher mobility (e.g., Marie Curie Fellowship), as well as opportunities offered by Specialization Schools and PhD programs.

Not any

Knowledge and understanding: The student must demonstrate, through an oral interview, that they have acquired and processed the content and methodological foundations of the discipline. Therefore, the candidate should be able to recognize and effectively frame the topics presented during the course and the European and Italian regulations in the field of Digital Humanities.

Applied knowledge and understanding: The student must show that they possess analytical and conceptual tools for a critical understanding of the methods, issues, and tools relevant to the digitization of cultural heritage.

Judgment autonomy: The student must demonstrate the ability to discuss issues related to the course themes maturely and independently, placing them in broader and interdisciplinary contexts.

Communication skills: By the end of the course, the student should acquire adequate skills and tools to present information appropriately and consciously, using the technical-scientific language appropriate to the field of study.

Learning ability: The student should have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies and in-depth investigations with a high degree of autonomy.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

A) Alongside the lectures, seminars will be conducted by external professors, researchers from research institutes (e.g., CNR), laboratories focusing on digital cultural assets (e.g., DigiLab), or professionals from the digital entrepreneurship world. Names, specific content, and schedules will be communicated during the lectures.

B) Some lessons will be dedicated to learning the methods of using the main digitization equipment. There is also the possibility of experimenting with the use of virtual reality headsets.

C) During the course and before the evaluation session, students can request a meeting with the instructor for any doubts or difficulties in exam preparation, by scheduling an appointment via email (fabio.cavallero@uniurb.it).

D) It is also worth noting the opportunity to complement the course activities with those carried out in the laboratory "Introduction to ICCD ministerial cataloging standards (archaeological and historical-artistic assets)" taught by Professors A. Coen and A. Santucci (https://www.uniurb.it/corsi/1757020/laboratori).

Teaching

Frontal lectures with the use of PowerPoint and equipment/software used for the digitization of cultural heritage.

Innovative teaching methods

The course content will allow the application of the following innovative teaching methods:

Debate: Students will engage in regulated debates on certain topics, facilitated by the instructor. Possible challenges for research posed by the use of recent surveying technologies (such as laser scanners, drones, etc.) and cultural communication tools (3D reconstructions, VR headsets, etc.) will be discussed. Specific case studies (films, multimedia content, etc.) where the use of modern technologies lacked adequate historical-archaeological study will be considered.

Problem-Based Learning: After introducing research and surveying tools for large ancient monumental complexes, student workgroups will be formed, each assigned in-depth studies related to specific technologies used during archaeological analysis.

Learning by Doing: Students will have the opportunity to learn, through practical usage, the application of surveying instruments such as drones and VR headsets for cultural communication.

Flipped Classroom: Students will collaborate on a joint project involving the digitization and analysis of an ancient context throughout the course. Each week, students themselves will present the progress of this project.

Attendance

Given the technical topics and practical lessons involving equipment, attendance is strongly recommended. 

Course books

From the following texts, specific sections will be indicated during the course:

A. Carandini, P. Carafa, Atlante di Roma Antica, Milano 2012.

P. Carafa, "Storie dai contesti. Metodologie e procedure della ricerca archeologica" Milan 2022.

Assessment

During the oral exam, the assigned projects during the course will be discussed and evaluated. For example, projects related to creating a virtual museum, digitizing and virtually restoring a cultural artifact, or applying innovative technologies like augmented reality. Students must demonstrate the ability to critically analyze their projects and reflect on decisions made during the implementation process. Additionally, knowledge of theories and practical applications of cultural heritage digitization methodologies will be assessed. The discussion may also cover topics such as digital preservation, ethical implications, and new trends in the field. A non-memorized knowledge of European and Italian regulations regarding digital cultural heritage is also required.

Exemplary evaluations will be given to performances demonstrating the student's possession of critical skills, clear content presentation with established connections, and appropriate use of specialized vocabulary.

Satisfactory evaluations will be granted to performances showing the student's more than basic knowledge, supported by critical thinking and orientation using technical language of the discipline.

Adequate evaluations will be assigned to performances indicating the student's attainment of minimal knowledge, even with some educational gaps, and the use of somewhat inappropriate language.

Negative evaluations will be given to performances revealing the student's difficulty in orientation regarding the addressed themes, serious knowledge gaps, and the lack of appropriate use of technical language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Non-attending students must refer to the same bibliography as attending students, which will be supplemented with the information provided by the teacher during class. To enable non-attending students to compensate for what was covered during the lessons through independent study, some supplementary readings are suggested. These readings are not mandatory but are recommended for addressing some of the topics covered in the course.

Attendance

Not any

Course books

Of the following texts, the parts indicated during the course:

A. Carandini, P. Carafa, Atlante di Roma Antica, Milano 2012.

P. Carafa, "Storie dai contesti. Metodologie e procedure della ricerca archeologica" Milan 2022

Recommended Readings:

Forte M., Campana S. (eds.), Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology. Archaeology in the Age of Sensing. Springer 2016.

Lock G., Using Computers in Archaeology Towards Virtual Pasts, London 2003.

Dell’Unto N., Landeschi G., Archaeological 3D GIS, London and New York 2022.

Assessment

Oral exam

During the oral exam, the assigned projects from the course are discussed and evaluated, such as the creation of a virtual museum, the digitization and virtual restoration of a cultural artifact, or the application of innovative technologies like augmented reality. Students must demonstrate the ability to critically analyze their projects and reflect on decisions made during the implementation process. Additionally, knowledge of theories and practical applications of cultural heritage digitization methodologies will be assessed. The discussion may cover topics such as digital preservation, ethical implications, and new trends in the field. Non-mnemonic knowledge of European and Italian regulations regarding digital cultural heritage is also required. Knowledge of the additional bibliography assigned to non-attending students is also examined.

Exemplary evaluations will be given to performances demonstrating the student's possession of critical skills, clear content presentation with established connections, and appropriate use of specialized vocabulary.

Satisfactory evaluations will be granted to performances showing the student's more than basic knowledge, supported by critical thinking and orientation using technical language of the discipline.

Adequate evaluations will be assigned to performances indicating the student's attainment of minimal knowledge, even with some educational gaps, and the use of somewhat inappropriate language.

Negative evaluations will be given to performances revealing the student's difficulty in orientation regarding the addressed themes, serious knowledge gaps, and the lack of appropriate use of technical language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

During the course and before the evaluation session, students, by appointment via email (fabio.cavallero@uniurb.it), can request a meeting with the professor for any doubts or difficulties in exam preparation.

Students are encouraged to regularly access the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it and check their institutional email.

The professor holds office hours and exams in his office at Palazzo Albani (entrance at via del Balestriere 2 - 0722.303756).