HNAA01111U Introduction to Mesopotamia

The course deals with the archaeology and history of Greater Mesopotamia from the Prehistoric to the Islamic periods. An overview of the material finds (archaeology) and textual evidence (history) is used to teach about the architecture, burials, foodways, social and political systems, religion, philosophy, development of science and other questions.  Some time periods are treated in more detail than others, so that certain questions such as e.g. state development or imperialism can be discussed more specifically. Selected theories and methods in the study of the ancient Near East are also considered and used to discuss the approaches towards the interpretation of material and sources and related problems.  In the tutorial practical aspects of academic study will be trained such as library work, structuring papers etc.

In order to participate in the exam all students need to take part in group work in class, give a ca. 20 minute oral presentation (after agreement with the teacher) and write a paper of max. 5 pages (on a topic given by the teacher).