This course will focus on the environmental history of the Near East based on palynology and the study of plant macro remains. The following topics will be dealt with: (1) the climatic change in the early Holocene and its impact on the vegetation; (2) the reconstruction of past vegetations with special emphasis on grazing pressure; (3) the transition to agriculture with special emphasis on the process of plant domestication.
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.
Some basic knowledge of the geography and general archaeology of the Near East.
Learning objectives
*Understanding of the following topics: (1) the climatic change in the early Holocene and its impact on the vegetation; (2) the reconstruction of past vegetations with special emphasis on grazing pressure; (3) the transition to agriculture with special emphasis on the process of plant domestication; *Is able to critically assess current research and literature on this subject and voice one’s well-argumented opinion; *Is able to critically analyse the theories and methods used to come to views on these processes, *Is able to critically apply the theories and methods on a casy study, find relevant literature and present this via a powerpoint presentation and is able to handle a stimulating discussion afterwards; *Is able to write a paper 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
Seminar.
Examination
Active participation in class discussions, student class presentation, and essay.