Cultural Identity in the Pre- and Dynastic Middle East: Archaeological Context, Transformations and Interpretation

Pre-requisites: To have completed basic academic studies and master studies, with a specialization in research in archaeology of the Middle East.

Course objectives: Familiarization and understanding complex problems, theoretical and logistical postulates and deliberating Middle Eastern archaeology, with the aim of enabling the candidate for independent research.

Course description: Middle East region in a chronological frame from the Epipaleolithic to: - end of the second dynasty (Egypt), - end of the Iron Age (Palestine), -end of the Uruk period (Mesopotamia); Beside the review of the relevant aspects, above all on the contextual and conceptual level, of the specifics of cultural identity and their influence on one another will be addressed; Interpretation of archaeological data the perception of it in modern society.

Learning Outcomes: Essay and a written examination.