ARY1010

Origins of Western Civilisation I: the Bronze Age ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Colin Hope and Gillian Bowen

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Overview of ancient cultures of the Mediterranean world (of Crete, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Turkey) to which aspects of the origins of western civilization can be traced. Examines political, social, economic and religious systems, art, architecture and material culture. Source material includes monuments, artefacts and texts on which reconstruction of the past is based. Introduces archaeological methodology, textual analysis and critical appraisal of evidence.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit students will: 1. Have acquired a basic knowledge of the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean that are studied and their contribution to western civilisation. 2. Have developed an awareness of the different political, social, economic and religious systems of each of these cultures. 3. Be aware of the cultural and documentary exchange that operated in the Mediterranean region. 4. Be aware of the range of material - monuments, artefacts, texts - available for use in the reconstruction of ancient societies. 5. Understand the basic methods of archaeological and historical interpretation. 6. Demonstrate basic training in the critical appraisal of source material of all kinds.

Assessment: Map assignment: 10% + Two tutorial essays (1000 and 1500 words respectively): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 40%

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