Before Babylon: Ascent to Civilisation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject aims to introduce students to the archaeology and literature of Western Asia, also referred to as the Âancient Near East and ÂThe Cradle of CivilizationÂ. The cultural achievements of peoples in this region were profoundly significant and include: the invention of various writing systems; the earliest literature; the first farmers and villages; rich and diverse mythologies; and the earliest cities and empires. On completion of the subject students should have acquired knowledge of the social, political and cultural development of ancient Western Asia from about 10,000 to 330 BC; should have an understanding of Near Eastern frame of mind through an examination of texts and archaeological remains.

• possess a knowledge of the social, political and cultural development of ancient Western Asia in regions other than Syria and Mesopotamia from about 3600 to 330 B.C.;
• have developed a knowledge of archaeological methods to study processes of cultural change and interaction.

A 2500-word essay 60% (due during the semester), and a 1500 word take-home exam 40% (due in the examination period). Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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