Prerequisites   HS2102 Archaeology of the Greek and Roman World or HS3101 Introduction to Greek History

This module is concerned with the art and archaeology of Greece from the beginning of the Early Iron Age (and the fall of the Mycenaean palaces) to the end of the Archaic period (c. 1150–480 BC). This was the formative period in the development of Greek society, during which the characteristic form of Greek community, the polis or city-state, emerged, and the course will partly be concerned with the question of how and why such a society developed, and what if anything it has to do with the development of towns (urbanism). It is also a key period in the history of western art, when the tradition of naturalistic representation was first established; the course explores the early development of this trend in painting and sculpture. This is a protohistoric period, where there is some literary and epigraphic evidence, and an abundance of material remains. The module will therefore introduce students to the difficulties encountered in making historical sense of both kinds of evidence, and so will cover a range of historical, archaeological and art-historical topics, such as agricultural practice, the emergence of sanctuaries, and the relationship between art and the social and political circumstances that led to its creation

On successful completion of the module, the student should be able to demonstrate:

• a knowledge of the archaeological evidence of Iron Age and Archaic date from excavations and surveys
• an understanding and appreciation of the art of the period
• a knowledge of the relevant terms and concepts used in the study of the period (e.g. kouros)
• an understanding of the historical, archaeological and art-historical issues and questions that have directed research into the period (e.g. state formation; naturalism in art)
• an ability to evaluate the relevance of archaeological and artistic evidence with reference to these debates
• an ability to assess critically the relevance of archaeological evidence in relation to key historical questions and issues (e.g. pre-polis political formations)
• an ability to discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed

20 lectures; 1 field trip; 3 seminars

Intellectual Skills:

• demonstrate an ability to evaluate the relevance of archaeological and artistic evidence with reference to these debates;
• demonstrate an ability to assess critically the relevance of archaeological evidence in relation to key historical questions and issues (e.g. pre-polis political formations);

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

• Know particular classes of evidence
• Understand particular case studies
• Understand particular research traditions
• Recognise the many problems and limitations with the available evidence

Transferable Skills:

• demonstrate an ability to discuss the above issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

Essay (50%), Exam (50%).

Note: It is a condition of enrolment on this module that students attend ALL lectures and seminars scheduled for them. Non-attendance without good cause will be dealt with in accordance with the Archaeology Board of Studies’ student cases procedure, and may then lead to disciplinary measures, including de-registration from the module and exclusion from the programme of study.

Programme of Lectures and Seminars

Reading list will be provided in Learning Central for the module

Reading list will be provided in Learning Central for the module