General provisions

The course belongs to the minor field Assyriology.

Entry requirements

Ancient Near East: Introduction, or the equivalent

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide a wider and in-depth orientation in the archaeology of the Near East.

For the grade Pass, after completing the course the student should be able to

• describe regional differences in environment and relate these to variations in settlement patterns and economic strategies
• distinguish distinct features of Mesopotamian material culture, ritual practice and ideology and their development over time
• summarise crucial developmental stages regarding urbanisation, state formation and information technology and give examples of expressions of these stages in the archaeological material
• discuss trade networks and cultural contacts within the scope of broader geographical and archaeological contexts.

Content

Broad and in-depth orientation in the Near East's archaeology and art. A series of thematically organised lectures and seminars with studies of the region's geography, economics, trade, social organisation, aesthetics and symbolism, and their material expressions with an emphasis on Mesopotamia.

Instruction

Teaching consists of lectures, exercises and assessment components. The student's own learning activities are crucial during the course. Absence from more than one seminar can be made up by written assignments corresponding to the contents of the seminar concerned.

Assessment

Examination takes place in the form of continuous written assignments and a written examination at the end of the course. A high degree of preparation for and active participation in each teaching session contributes to the grade on the continuous assignments. Submission of the take-home exam after the due time is taken into consideration when grading.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.