AR3P13: Emergence of civilisation in Mesopotamia
Module Provider: |
Archaeology |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
H (Honours) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
W
Matthews |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of Mesopotamia during this period, and a critical understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of early urban settlement and society in this region and in archaeology more widely. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able:
to identify, date, describe and analyse the key changes in early urban settlement and society in Mesopotamia from c. 3200-1750 BC
to appraise critically the competing methodological and theoretical approaches to archaeological and textual data on key issues relating to Mesopotamian settlement and society
to locate, extract, and assemble data and information from varied sources, with minimal guidance
to examine and evaluate key issues and to develop independent interpretations of material through self-directed research
to organise wide-ranging material and to articulate arguments effectively in writing an assessed essay, critical review, and orally in seminar discussions and presentations |
Additional outcomes:
This module promotes the development of problem-solving skills in dealing with diverse bodies of complex and incomplete archaeological, textual and scientific data. Seminar presentations, critical reviews and essay topics encourage independent learning, as well as communication skills, personal responsibility, and teamwork in discussion groups. |
Outline content:
This module begins with an introduction to socio-cultural developments in Mesopotamia from the late 4th to the early 2nd millennium BC, and a history of archaeological research in the region. The module will then focus thematically on critical examination of key issues and case-studies in the study of early urban settlement and society, highlighting competing approaches, theories and interpretations, and relating them to current debates in archaeology more widely. The issues examined include: human-environment inter-relationships and agricultural intensification; resources, trade and exchange; origins of writing; socio-politics and the nature of power, city-states and empire; ritual; death and burial, and gender. The module will close with one session evaluating current interdisciplinary research projects. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Illustrated lectures, seminars and structured group discussion requiring preparatory reading. Students will write one assessed essay and a critical review, which will be returned in individual tutorials, and present seminar papers and critical reviews. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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10 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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10 |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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| Total hours |
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20 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
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2 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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1 |
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Assessment:
Coursework
One essay of 4,000 words (60%), article critique (20%), oral presentation (10%), seminar performance (10%)
Relative percentage of coursework : 100%
Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission of coursework will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations
None.
Requirements for a pass
50%
Reassessment arrangements |
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staff
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