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Beyond Babylon (ANCW30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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 Material culture, historical documents, language and literature, will be combined to address major issues such as the social evolution of complex societies and their eventual collapse, themes which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.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Illustrate the social, political and cultural development of the ancient civilisations of Egypt and the Near East
- Develope textual and archaeological methods to study processes of cultural change and interaction
- Critically analyze and interpret primary sources, such as ancient texts, artifacts, and archaeological evidence, to gain insights into the beliefs, values, and practices of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern societies
- Evaluate the significant contributions and lasting legacies of these ancient civilizations in areas such as art, architecture, literature, religion, and governance, and their influence on subsequent cultures and societies.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate concepts, beliefs, considering multiple perspectives, and supporting evidence
- Communicate effectively in writing and synthesis an argument in cogent form
- Evaluate the impact of social, ethical, and cultural contexts
- Acquire greater confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems
- Reflect on the communication conventions of another culture
- Conduct independent research and effectively manage information.
Last updated: 9 February 2025