Admission requirements
None.
Description
Colonization is a topic that is not only highly relevant today and had a major influence on how our disciplines were shaped. The active colonization of regions beyond an ancient culture’s territory can also be witnessed in many different places around the Mediterranean and in the ancient Middle East. We will discuss a selection of case studies ranging from the 3rd to the 1st millennium BCE, exploring the specific circumstances in each region. We will further differentiate whether we are dealing with an active case of colonization, migration or rather the establishment of a trade diaspora. Archaeological and anthropological approaches will guide our perspective. Various forms of encounters between the colonizers and local population will shape our understanding of specific signs in the material culture. Concepts such as hybridity, creolization, mestizaje, cultural entanglement and others will be considered for the different case studies.
In this course students will study the subject through lectures, secondary literature and discussion about Colonialism in antiquity, how it shaped the history of our subject, and what the implications in the here and now may be. Each class will focus on a different perspective on ancient and modern examples of migration, imperialism, cultural exchange and colonialism. The discussion will be brought forward through a combination of theoretical discussion and individual case studies.
Students will need actively to participate in each class through their preparation and in discussions. In addition to a paper proposal and a paper, students will produce a poster as part of the assessment for this course which will be presented in a mini poster symposium. While students can chose the topic freely it will need to be discussed with and approved by the course teachers and co-ordinators.
Course objectives
In this course students will learn to participate in discussions on postcolonial theory using material from the ancient Middle East and to analyse ancient Middle Eastern data using postcolonial thinking, leading to new analyses and understanding of ancient data as well as providing historical depth in understanding ways in which humans have sought to control each other and the long-term effects this control has. In addition students will acquire the ability to critique and reconstruct methods of study used in the study o the ancient Middle East considering the birth of the broader subject in the period of the height of European colonialism—leading to ways of seeing and using cultural heritage from the Middle East in highly problematic ways.
In addition students will practice their skill sin oral presentations, poster design and writing, with the associated skills in time-management and organisation and planning that are necessary for that to work.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Assessment method
- 10% participation
- 0% research proposal (formative)
- 20% poster
- 10% oral presentation
- 60% 4000 word paper
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
Only the paper can be resat should it be a fail.
#### Inspection and feedback
Students can request a feedback tutorial with the subject teachers / tutors 2 weeks after the respective deadline.
The research proposals will receive peer feedback.
Written feedback will be provided on the research proposal, the poster, and the paper.
Reading list
Students are recommended to read the following blog before the start of the lectures:
https://www.lehigh.edu/~amsp/2004/09/introduction-to-edward-said.html
Other literature will be announced during the lectures.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration Exchange
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr