AR2P10: From Collapse to Complexity: the Aegean in the first millennium BC and the origins of the classical polis

Module Provider:

Archaeology

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr S Wallace

Pre-requisites:

AR1TS3

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
To encourage evaluation of past and current attitudes towards the Greek polis state and its material culture in comparison to the societies and culture of what was until recently termed a 'Dark Age'
To build a good understanding of the common factors in state emergence in this and other ancient societies
To achieve an understanding of the nature of complex societies and of the particular types of complexity specific to the polis state form
To examine the ways in which archaeological and textual information interface with each other, and to assess their relative value in discussions of ancient societies in this period.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will have:

Additional outcomes:
Students should gain confidence and authority in public speaking through group discussions in a relaxed peer environment. Essay writing and feedback should improve general abilities to produce clear, concise and accurate written analyses.

Outline content:
We study the archaeology of the Aegean from the beginning of the Early Iron Age (marked by the collapse of the Mycenaean palatial polities) to the Classical period, traditionally ending 323 BC, by which time the polis or city-state structure was well established in the region. The course is largely concerned with the question of how and why such a society developed, and what if anything it has to do with the development of towns (urbanism). This is a protohistoric period, where there is some literary and epigraphic evidence. The course introduces students to the difficulties encountered in making historical sense of these kinds of evidence. Major themes include agricultural practice and the rural environment, the emergence and role of public sanctuaries, and the relationship between monumental art and architecture and a particular type of social and political environment. The period in question sees the remarkably wide spread of Greek cultural and social forms through other areas of the Mediterranean, and this, the so-called 'colonisation' phenomenon, is also a focus of attention.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Illustrated lectures complemented by seminars involving group discussion around themes linked into the course content. Both lectures and seminars rely on extensive student reading to support them.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will write one essay of c.3000 words. The mark for this essay will be counted towards assessment. The essay must be submitted in the Spring Term on the date set by the Department.
Relative percentage of coursework: 40%
Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission of coursework will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations
One unseen two-hour paper requiring two answers, to be taken at the time of the Part 2 examinations
Requirements for a pass
An overall mark of 40%
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September.