CESMA, in cooperation with the University of Ferrara’s Department of Cultural Resources, brings the study of Prehistoric Archaeology to life.  This unique Archaeology Program combines highly practical classroom training with a unique field experience organized around a very important and unexplored cave conveniently located near the school.  This special cave is one of roughly 10 throughout Europe that contains prehistoric remains from 4500 B.C.  The program is organized with morning classroom sessions and afternoon fieldwork.

Degree & Credits
The program is accredited and financed by the European Social Fund, the Italian Government, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the Piedmont Regional Government.  Upon completion of all coursework, internship requirements, the final exam, and the final research project, the program awards a Specialization Degree which is legally recognized throughout the European Union¹.   The program awards 57 credits toward the graduate university degree in “Technology for Cultural Goods”.

Syllabus

Professors
The Director of the program is the very distinguished prehistoric archaeology Professor Antonio Guerreschi from the University of Ferrara.  All of the professors in the program are archaeologists and field professionals from the best companies and institutions throughout Italy. 

Admission criteria
All students should either have or currently be pursuing an archaeology degree or its equivalent.  Each student must complete a written test and an interview to qualify for admission. 

Location and Duration
Cuorgnè, Torino, Italy.  Address: via Ivrea, 71 – 10082 Cuorgnè (To).  The course lasts 8 months, from November 2004 to July 2005, and includes 1200 hours of formal education along with 100 hours of extra-curricular activity. Lessons take place Monday to Friday in the morning and the afternoon.

Internship
Internships are an essential part of the program.  After studying and working in classrooms, labs and the field, students have the opportunity to measure themselves and their knowledge in a real job environment for two months. Directed and coordinated by a tutor, the internship experience can be performed in worksites of private companies, museums or institutions. 

Final Exam
The final exam consists of a written test, hands-on work and an interview. Students must also prove the knowledge acquired by presenting a portfolio where they show, with both graphic representations or drawings and photographs, their best works carried out during the period of their course. They must also present personal research performed on the job during their internship.

¹  The course is recognized by the Italian Government according to the National Law n. 845 of 21st December 1978.