ARY3270

Israel and the ancient Near East: Neolithic to Middle Bronze Age, 8500-1550BCE

(ART)

Vincent Clark

6 points + 2-3 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: A first year sequence in Archaeology or permission + Prohibition: ARY2270

Synopsis: The unit will focus upon the archaeology of Israel and the ancient Near East from the beginnings of settled life in the Neolithic Period, through the development of complex urban culture in the Early Bronze Age, to the establishment of Middle Bronze Age city states. It will combine a study of the archaeological record with that of theoretical models concerning the development of complex society exploring a variety of factors which determined the particular characteristics of the cultures of the region. The unit will explore regional interaction and the impact of the super powers upon political and cultural development.

Assessment: Research essay (3000 words): 60% + Tutorial participation and presentation (oral and wriiten): 20% + Examination (1 hours): 20% + Students taking the unit at third level will be expected to formulate their own essay topic and to display higher levels of critical and analytical skills.