The Neolithic (ca. 10,000-5300 BC) is one of the most crucial periods in the history of the Near East, associated with major social, economic and material innovations and important changes in the archaeological record. In this course we will study the current archaeological views on this period of early village formation. Attention will be given to: Epipalaeolithic forager communities; Neolithic origins; Neolithic expansion and food production; transitions and transformations; pots-and-people associations in the late Neolithic; regional mega-centres; pastoralism and mobility; Neolithic monuments and ritual; Neolithic administration and (in)equality; and burial practices in the Neolithic.
Admission requirements
BA degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.
A basic knowledge of West-Asiatic Prehistory.
Learning objectives
Has detailed knowledge of cultural developments in the Neolithic Near East mentioned above, on the basis of the assigned literature, lectures, assignments and discussions;
Has detailed knowledge of the current literature, current debates and the archaeological approaches in it;
Is able to critically assess current research and assigned literature and voice one’s well-argumented opinion;
Is able to choose a research topic, find relevant literature, apply current views on one’s own research topic and present this via a powerpoint presentation and is able to handle a stimulating discussion afterwards;
Is able to critically assess the different presentations;
Is able to write a balanced and critical essay on his/her research topic, with expression of a critically assessment of the literature and one’s own well-argumented opinion, making use of the feedback received with the presentation.
Method of instruction
Following the introductory lecture there will be individual assignments dealing with specific research questions and research items concerning the Neolithic Near East. The topics of research will be dealt with in the form of student class presentations, reading of books/articles, and a subsequent essay (4000 wrd).
Examination
Active participation in class discussions, quality of student class presentation, reading of assigned literature; and quality of essay.
Required reading
The reading list will be given to each student prior to the beginning of the course.