Problems in Greek Prehistory (ANCW40007)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
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The earliest alphabetic writings in the Greek language date to the eighth century B.C.E. But the culture we encounter in these texts is clearly the product of recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, and ongoing interaction with other cultures of this region. It is also a culture in the process of becoming Greek: only during the historical period do speakers of Greek begin to see themselves as sharing an identity. What, then, is “Greek Prehistory”—does it make sense to speak of Greeks in prehistory at all?
We will explore this question by studying the Minoans and Mycenaeans, and their place in the international systems of the Middle and Late Bronze Age, as well as the Aegean, Anatolian, and Levantine cultures of the Iron Age, whose intensive trade and colonization reshaped the region in this period. We will also look at how Archaic and Classical Greek-speakers constructed their own prehistory, and how their ideas have influenced modern scholarship. Our main concerns will be ethnogenesis, the development of the Greek language(s), and the dynamics of cultural exchange. We will explore current theoretical models for understanding these issues, and draw on evidence from archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and the study of myth and literature.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Participate in classic and current debates in the study of Greek prehistory
- Understand how archaeology, linguistics, and history are used to reconstruct cultural continuity and change
- Evaluate the interpretive constructs (theory) used by archaeologists in the eastern Mediterranean to address specific empirical problems and issues
- Relate trends in scholarship on Aegean prehistory since the 19th century to the historical and cultural context of key scholars in the field.
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
8 x essays based on the readings, one due each week
| From Week 4 to Week 11 | 40% |
Research essay
| 2 weeks after the end of teaching period | 50% |
Class discussion based on weekly reading
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
Stuents enrolling in this subject must be admitted to fourth-year Honours or Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in Ancient World Studies, or Classics; or the Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Certificate (Advanced) in Classical Studies and Archaeology; or, have written permission from the subject coordinator.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025