HNAK00018U NÆR, Themes and Topics in Near Eastern Archaeology 2: Material Studies in Archaeology

This course will provide students with theoretical and practical experience in handling, analyzing and interpreting different types of material culture (such as pottery, stone tools, fauna, botanics, art objects etc.). Following introductory lectures, students will learn how to record and analyze material culture in a series of practical sessions, museum visits and literature review.

Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the material culture of the ancient Middle East and the methods used to study them, as well as the as theoretical framework used for analysis and interpretation. Students will also be given the opportunity to develop their presentation and writing skills, as they have to report regularly about their work. The course is taught in English.

Students will prepare a report on the analysis of one group of materials as part of this course, which can also be based on reviewing a museum collection or existing finds report. The topic must be approved by a teacher.