Themes and Topics 1: Themes and Topics in Near Eastern Archaeology 1: Hunter-Gatherers and Early Farmers in the Middle East

Southwest Asia is a key region for discussions surrounding the early human past. Lying at the cross-roads between Africa, Asia and Europe it was a key migration route and zone of interaction for hominins during the Palaeolithic. Some of the world’s earliest plant cultivating and animal domesticating societies emerged in southwest Asia, sparking the transition to the Neolithic. This course introduces students to the material culture, chronology, social geography, environments, economies and societies of the Palaeolithic and early Neolithic of southwest Asia, and covers key debates, such as the demise of the Neanderthals and the emergence of anatomically modern humans, as well as the origins of farming and village life.  

Knowledge:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to have developed:

• An understanding of the questions and central discussions in the early prehistory of the Middle East

• An appreciation of the material culture, chronology and settlements of the early prehistoric periods in the Middle East

• Knowledge how research history has shaped our understanding of the early prehistory of SW-Asia

Skills:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

•Explain the relationship between different analytical frameworks and current discussions in the field

• critically and reflexively analyse research problems

•Apply knowledge gained to the study of archaeological materials and/or problems

Competencies:

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

•Recognize and identify the material culture of the periods covered in the course and use it to analyze relevant questions or problems

•Formulate a defined research question independently and describe it in writing

•Apply the theoretical literature in conjunction with archaeological material

The course will be taught by means of lectures, seminars, practical exercises and group work. Students will independently work on a research topic as part of the course, part of which will include an in-class presentation. This presentation will form the basis of the course final exam, which will be in essay format.