ARY3270

Israel and the Ancient Near East: Neolithic to Middle Bronze Age, 8500-1550 BCE ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Vincent Clark

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

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.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit students will have: 1. Acquired an understanding of the main features of the archaeological, historical and cultural development of the Levant from the beginnings of settled life until the end of the Middle Bronze Age, and explored the impact of interaction between the major groups within the region upon the cultural evolution of the Levant. 2. Gained an understanding of the factors (environmental, social, etc.) which contributed to the major change of subsistence patterns that resulted in the development of agriculture and sedentism and led to the rise of early complex society. 3. Examined the various theories proposed to account for the rise of complex society and understood the major changes in theoretical interpretation. 4. Gained an understanding of the use of ceramic data in establishing relative chronologies, as an indicator of technological achievement and cultural interaction. 5. Developed the ability to use the material and archaeological record in reconstructing ancient societies and integrating this with textual evidence, where it exists. 6. Demonstrated an ability to present a coherent argument, either verbally or in written format, which displays a firm grasp of source material and critical analysis of current theories. 7. Developed a facility in combining a variety of historical sources with the archaeological record in reconstructing and interpreting the past. 8. Been introduced to archaeological theory and practice, dating techniques and text criticism.

Assessment: Research essay (3000 words): 60% + Tutorial participation and presentation (oral and written): 20% + Examination (1 hours): 20% + Third-year students will be expected to formulate their own essay topic and to display higher levels of critical and analytical skills.

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: ARY2270