HNAB0103EU Themes and Topics in Near Eastern Archaeology 1: Hunter-Gatherers and Early Farmers in the Middle East

This course provides students with an overview of the prehistoric societies of southwest Asia  and northeast Africa from the Palaeolithic to the end of the Pottery Neolithic. It covers some of the key debates in these periods, such as the demise of the Neanderthals, the origins of farming and the invention of pottery.

Knowledge:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to have developed:

• An understanding of the questions and central discussions in the early prehistory of the Middle East
• An appreciation of the material culture, chronology and settlements of the early prehistoric periods in the Middle East

Skills:

In the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Explain the relationship between different analytical frameworks and current discussions in the field
• Analyse, critically and reflexively, research problems
• Apply gained knowledge gained to the study of archaeological materials and/or problems

Competencies:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Recognize and identify the material culture of the periods covered in the course and use it to analyze relevant questions or problems
• Formulate a defined research question independently and describe it in writing
• Apply the theoretical literature in conjunction with archaeological material

The course will be taught by means of lectures/seminars and practical exercises with archaeological materials. Completion of three short practical projects is a mandatory course requirement. Students will also give a short presentation on their practical projects as part of the course during the semester. The course is assessed on the basis of a written 1-week written exam in essay format The course is taught in English.