This course offers an analytical (not comprehensive) survey of the social and cultural history of the Near East, tracing the variety of cultural developments in the region from prehistory to the end of the Iron age (ca. 300 BC). Both archaeological evidence and textual sources are examined as relevant. The material culture and social practices of Mesopotamian societies constitute the main focus of the course. Archaeological landscapes, urban and rural sites, excavated architectural remains and artifacts are critically investigated based on archaeological, anthropological and art-historical work carried out in the region. Relevant ancient texts (mostly in Sumerian, Akkadian, and Luwian in translation) are studied as part of the material culture. Geographically the course will cover Mesopotamia proper, Syria, Anatolia and the Levantine coast (mostly staying within the boundaries of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Lebanon).

In order to study the material evidence from antiquity critically, scholars frequently involve interpretive theories in their work. Throughout the semester, along with the detailed reading of various bodies of archaeological evidence, we will investigate a variety of theoretical approaches and concepts used within the field of Near Eastern archaeology. The main goal of the course is to develop a critically self-conscious understanding of ancient societies and their material culture, with the help of particular interpretative theories from an interdiscipliary perspective. Every week, classroom discussions will incorporate some theoretical approach in exploring different bodies of material evidence.