107-004 Age of Heroes: the Aegean Bronze Age

This subject examines the Neolithic and Bronze Age civilizations of Greece with a focus on Minoan Crete and its relationship to the Cycladic Islands and Mycenaean Greece through a detailed survey of the archaeological remains. Students will be introduced to the emergence and collapse of the urban society as understood through funerary customs, the development of a prestige goods economy, local and international trade, the emergence of writing, the evolution of religious practices, the symbolic landscape, and the role of art and monumental architecture in the emergence of hierarchy as well as social and gender identity. Because these cultures are known primarily through material culture, the history of excavation practice and problems of interpretation are also considered.

• be skilled in critical thinking;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

A journal assignment of 300 words 10% (due Week 3 of semester), a class paper/essay of 2000 words (including a 7-10 minute presentation) 45% (presentations during semester, and papers due at end of semester), a take-home examination of 1700 words 35% (due during the examination period), and tutorial participation 10% (throughout the semester). Hurdle requirement: students must attend 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available

• D Prezios and L Hitchcock, Aegean Art and Architecture. Oxford, 1999.