ARY2590

East meets West: The archaeology of the Indian sub-continent ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Angelo Andrea di Castro and Colin Hope

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: This unit focuses upon the cultural interaction between the Indian and Central Asian kingdoms and the classical world from Alexander the Great until the barbarian invasions, 4th century BCE to 5th century CE. It examines the archaeological and textual evidence on the material culture, art history and societies of the region. Special attention is paid to the formation of new religious systems (Buddhism, Vaishnavism and Shaivism) and the influence of their mythologies on artistic and architectural styles.

Objectives: Upon completion of the unit the student will have: acquired a knowledge of the social, religious, economic, political and cultural complexity of ancient South Asian and central Asian societies; understood the various archaeological and textual sources employed to study cultural changes; examined the interaction of eastern and western traditions; identified the main problems in Indian historiography of the period; deveoped the ability to combine different methodologies in reconstructing ancient societies; developed their research, critical analytical and communications skills.

Assessment: Document analysis 500 words 10%, Tutorial Presentation 1000 words 20%, Essay 2500 words 55%, Class test 500 words 15%.

Contact Hours: 2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions: ARY3590