Problems in Greek Prehistory

Subject ANCW40007 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment:

10 hours per week: total time commitment 120 hours

Prerequisites:

Admission to Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Classical Studies and Archaeology or Classics

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website:

http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Subject Overview:

This subject takes an in-depth look at the latest debates and discoveries in the study of the Bronze Age Aegean (Minoan Crete, Mycenaean Greece, and Cycladic Islands) from 3000-1000 BCE. In addition, it considers the role of Prehistoric Greece in the broader field of archaeology. The focus may vary from year to year, but areas of analysis include the history of archaeological practice in Greece, prehistoric production and exchange, ceramics and prestige goods, the interpretation of iconography and architecture, the identification and analysis of Aegean religion, the emergence and collapse of complex societies in Crete and in Greece, and current controversies in the interpretation of archaeological remains with regard to gender, kingship, ethnicity, and feasting.

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • acquire an understanding of the latest debates in Greek archaeology.
  • understand how archaeologists use theory and texts to interpret material culture and to reconstruct cultural continuity and change.
  • be able to evaluate the interpretive constructs (theory) used by archaeologists in Greece to address specific empirical problems and issues.
Assessment:

Ten 250 word essays, 50% (one per week on the readings, starting in week 3), a 2500 word final essay 40% (due 2 weeks afer semester), class discussion 10%.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

D.Preziosi & L.Hitchcock, Aegean Art and Architecture, Oxford, 1999.

Subject readings will be available on line


Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be skilled in critical thinking.

  • possess effective written communication skills.

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient World Studies
Classics

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