Comparative Civilizations

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus

8.5 hours per week: Total time commitment 102 hours

None

None

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Students who have passed Before Babylon:Ascent to Civilisation with subject codes 107-005 or 670-343 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

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/

This subject is designed to give students an understanding and knowledge of the variability of past civilisations by comparing their accomplishments and inner structures. Using a combination of texts and archaeology, it will compare the life cycle (rise and fall) of Egyptian, Near Eastern and Persian civilisations. Students will examine cultural elements such as belief systems, daily routines, gender roles, power and authority, which will provide an insight into the distinctive worldviews that shaped each civilization. Material culture, historical documents, language and literature, will be combined to address major issues such as the social evolution of complex societies and their eventual collapse, themes which resonate in the contemporary world

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• possess a knowledge of the social, political and cultural development of the ancient civilizations of Egypt and the Near East.
• have developed a knowledge of textual and archaeological methods to study processes of cultural change and interaction.

A class paper and follow up essay of 2500 words 60% (10% presentation, 50% essay) due during the semester, and a take-home exam of 1500 words (40%), due in the examination period.

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject

A.Sagona and P. Zimansky, Ancient Turkey (Routledge 2009)

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.