ARY3250

Israel in the Ancient Near East: An Archaeological Perspective ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Vincent Clark

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit focuses upon the development of Israel within a Near Eastern context during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Ages, c.1300-500BCE. It involves a study of the historical and biblical framework within which ancient Israel was formed, its cultural evolution as documented by the archaeological record, and a study of the significance of its geographical location upon both its history and culture. A feature of the subject is a comparison of the biblical and archaeological records.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit students will: 1. Have acquired a basic understanding of the range of factors which influenced the development of Israel during the Late Bronze Age and Iron Ages. 2. Have developed an understanding of the artefactual remains upon which an assessment of the cultures of Israel is based. 3. Have gained an awareness of the interaction of Israel with its ancient neighbours and the influence which they exerted upon Israel's development. 4. Have developed an appreciation of the biblical narrative and the interaction of archaeology and biblical studies. 5. Be able to demonstrate well-developed critical skills in documentary analysis and contemporary biblical exegesis. 6. Be able to demonstrate an awareness of the major current debates concerning the origins and development of Israel.

Assessment: Document analysis (500 words): 10% + Essay (2,500 words): 55% + Examination (1,500 words, 1.5 hours): 35% + Third-year students will be expected to show greater analytical skills and be encouraged to choose their own topics.

Contact Hours: 3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites: A first year sequence in Archaeology, or permission

Prohibitions: ARY2250