OLD, Fundamental Concepts in Middle Eastern Archaeology (E26)

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding of

• key concepts in archaeological thinking, such as chronology, material culture, and the relationship between archaeology and history
• major themes in the archaeology of the Middle East, including urbanisation, state formation, trade, and environmental change
• different types of archaeological sources and their significance for reconstructing past societies
• the principal archaeological methods used in the study of early societies in the Middle East
• the various professional roles and specialisations within archaeology and their methodological approaches.

Skills in

• identifying and classifying archaeological sites, objects, and monuments according to period, region, and culture
• recognising the main archaeological methods used to investigate different types of material culture and sites
• interpreting basic archaeological data in relation to broader historical and cultural developments in the Middle East
• communicating key archaeological concepts and findings effectively in written and oral formats
• comparing different archaeological approaches and evaluating their strengths and limitations in the analysis of material remains.

Competences to

• describe and contextualise major archaeological periods, themes, and concepts in the Middle East
• select appropriate analytical approaches for different types of archaeological source material
• critically evaluate the relationship between archaeology and historical narratives in the reconstruction of the past
• participate in discussions of major debates in Middle Eastern archaeology on the basis of archaeological evidence
• apply basic archaeological knowledge as a foundation for further specialised studies or professional engagement within the field.