Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE ARC3004

 
TITLE Maltese Prehistory

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Classics and Archaeology

 
DESCRIPTION An introduction to human development on the Maltese islands from the earliest presence of humans on these islands down to the first appearance of literate inhabitants. A historical survey of discoveries and studies from the 16th century to the present, explaining how the current chronological sequence of cultures came about. This is followed by a general survey of the prehistoric antiquities of the Maltese islands, focussing on a number of specific problems. The lectures will be complemented with field visits.

Study-unit Aims:

The study-unit aims at providing students with a general idea of Malta's prehistory, based on evidence from artifacts, archeological remains and published sources. The survey of discoveries and studies from the 16th century to the present will allow students to understand how the present chronological sequence and body of knowledge were achieved. Discussion of specific themes will help them to understand what evidence they can use to discuss topics related to life in Malta in prehistoric times, such as settlement pattern, social organization and religious belief.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- recognize how the present chronological sequence and body of knowledge were achieved;
- identify how the prehistory of Malta unfolded with reference to topics related to life in Malta in prehistoric times, such as settlement patterns, social organization and religious belief.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- weigh and interpret the evidence provided by material remains from past excavations and publications;
- express their acquired knowledge clearly and logically in their assignment and the essay-type answers to examination questions set at the end of the semester.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Trump, David H. (2002). Malta: Prehistory and Temples, Malta, Midsea Books.
- Cilia, Daniel (ed.) (2004). Malta before History, Malta, Miranda (selected chapters).

Supplementary reading:

- Bonanno, A. (1986). A socio-economic approach to Maltese prehistory. The temple builders. In Malta: Studies of its Heritage and History, Malta, Mid-Med Bank, 17-46.
- Bonanno, A. (1995). "Contextual significance of ritual evidence in Malta", in W.H. Waldren, J.A. Ensenyat and R.C. Kennard (ed.), Ritual, Rites and Religion in Prehistory, IIIrd Deya International Conference of - Prehistory, Oxford, British Archaeological Reports, 1995: 136-146.
- Bonanno, A. (1999). “Tarxien, Xaghra Circle and Tas-Silg. Occupation and re-use of temple-sites in the early Bronze Age,” in A. Mifsud & C. Savona Ventura (ed.), Facets of Maltese Prehistory, Malta, Prehistoric Society of Malta: 209-23.
- Robb, John (2001). Island identities: ritual, travel and the creation of difference in Neolithic Malta, European Journal of Archaeology 4, 2 (2001): 175-202.
- Skeates, Robin (2010) An Archaeology of the Senses. Prehistoric Malta, Oxford: University Press.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Fieldwork

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM2 Yes 50%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Maxine Anastasi
Anthony Bonanno

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

Study at UM

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit