This course will outline some of the key themes and debates from the Chalcolithic to later historical periods of the Middle East, covering the Near East and northeast Africa from the 5^th to the 1^st mill BCE. Proceeding chronologically, the course will cover a wide array of themes ranging from the importance of feasting in chiefdoms, state development and the origins of hierarchy to the larger empires of the later periods. The course will be taught by means of lectures, seminars and practical exercises.

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of chosen periods from proto-historic and historic archaeology and history of the Near East and Egypt, and will critically examine the use of archaeological and historical data to interpret this record.  In the practical exercises students will be given the opportunity to engage with the material culture. 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 taught in English.