Themes in Near Eastern Prehistory
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CLAR3076 | Classics and Archaeology | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- CLAR3076
- School
- Classics and Archaeology
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module critically examines themes in Near Eastern Prehistory - from the development of agriculture, pastoralism and sedentism to the appearance of the first cities, states and writing. Drawing directly from current research, and with a focus on evidence from archaeological science, this course will use case studies to examine these key themes, using the archaeological evidence to understand how these developments are reflected in social, religious, economic and political organisations of the prehistoric Near East. The module will take the format of weekly lectures and seminars. After a series of seminars showing how themes are to be addressed, students will take charge each week, setting readings, presenting their choice of theme and running classroom discussions for formative assessment. An essay forms the summative assessment.
Target Students
Available to Undergraduate level 2 and level 3 students in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, Liberal Arts students, subsidiary and exchange students and Natural Sciences students on the Archaeology pathway.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1500 Critical Review
- 60% Coursework 2: 2500 Word Essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aims of this module are 1) to examine the development of complex societies in the prehistoric Near East, from hunter-gatherers, through the onset of agriculture, pastoralism and sedentism, to the establishment of the first cities, states and the origins of writing (thus ending prehistory); 2) to question when these developments appeared, why they appeared and how human societies responded to new opportunities and pressures; 3) to develop an insight into the social, religious, economic and political organisations of the Neolithic societies in the Near East; 4) to develop and understand of the problems and potential of archaeological evidence, particularly archaeological science techniques, in understanding these changes and developments.Learning Outcomes
Learners will develop their knowledge of the prehistory of the Near East, specifically in terms of the earliest developments of agriculture, pastoralism, sedentism, urbanism, city and state formation and complex societies. Through this, they will critically engage with some of the key developments in human history.
Students will become familiar with a range of archaeological scientific analyses, including using palaeoenvironmental, botanical and zoological evidence, necessary to understanding these developments. Those successfully completing the module will appreciate some of the methodological issues of using archaeological evidence for understanding early and complex societies.
Students will engage with primary source material and data relevant to these issues, and how to combine them, developing critical and analytical skills. They will develop their critical thinking and presentation skills through discussion of a range on contentious issues in seminars and further develop their abilities to construct and express effective verbal and written arguments through the course assessments.