Admission requirements: BA in Archaeology
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School
Basic knowledge of Western Asiatic Archaeology
Description
It is in the Ancient Near East that complex society first rears its head. Its development begins in prehistory, and archaeology is the only discipline to help us plot it. Until the advent of written sources (ca. 3400 BC) when we know that society was segmented both vertically and horizontally, the development from roving bands through hamlets and villages to towns and major cities to city-states and nation states was not linear. Various pertinent theories will be treated during the course, and many examples of the various stages will eventually enable the students to form (and write down!) their own opinion concerning this fascinating subject.
Learning objectives
The student has detailed knowledge of the various theories concerning early complex society, based on close affinity with the pertinent archaeological material
is well-versed in the current theoretical and practical literature on the subject
can critically judge this literature
is able to set out independent lines of research for further work in this subject
can demonstrate these acquired skills through writing an essay on the subject
Instruction method
After introductory lectures, individual tasks will be assigned involving reading and at least one class-presentation with discussion, followed by handing in the resulting sizeable written version of that presentation.
Examination
Participation in class; presentation; discussion of assigned literature; essay
Literature
To be assigned at the start of the course