| CODE | ARC3015 | ||||||
| TITLE | Syro-Palestinian Archaeology | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Classics and Archaeology | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Although this study-unit purports to present an archaeological overview of Syria-Palestine from prehistoric times to c.586 B.C., the main geographical focus lies on the southern Levant whilst the main time frame is that from the Neolithic period to 586 B.C. The basic geographical divisions of the region will be presented and the special approach to digging tells will be explained, since both these factors are crucial for a correct understanding of the archaeology of the region. Where relevant, the problems of the relationship between written and non-written evidence with special reference to some problems of Biblical Archaeology will be discussed. The approach to the subject is chronological, so that students will be able to understand the development over a long span of time of the material culture produced in this part of the Eastern Mediterranean. Study-unit Aims 1. To present a solid overview of the archaeology of Syria-Palestine from Prehistoric times to 586 B.C. with a special focus on the southern Levant from Neolithic times to 586 B.C. 2. To teach students how the tells of the Near East are dug. 3. To present the proper methods of and approach to Biblical Archaeology. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. Understand the essential hallmarks of the material culture of the Levant and its contribution to human history and culture from prehistoric times to 586 B.C.; 2. Critically comprehend the continuities and discontinuities of material culture in a land surrounded by the major powers of Egypt and Mesopotamia; 3. Grasp the problems besetting the difficult but important relationship between textual and artefactual remains. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. Appreciate also those cultures different to one's own; 2. Exercise a great attention to detail in daily work and activities; 3. Think more critically. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings Akkermans, P. M.M.G., & Schwartz, G. M. (2003) The Archaeology of Syria: From Complex Hunter-gatherers to Early Urban Societies (c.a. 16,000 – 300 BC). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (UOM DS94.5.S36 ) Mazar, A. (1990) Archaeology of the land of the Bible 10,000 - 586 B.C.E.. New York: Doubleday (UOM BS621.M39 ) Levy, Thomas E., ed.(1995) The Archaeology of Society in the Holy Land, Leicester: Leicester University Press. (UOM DS112 .A73) Lecturers will provide a more detailed bibliography in class. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Rebecca Farrugia |
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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 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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