ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE LEVANT

Welcome to Archaeology of the Levant! This is a course tailored for Bachelor's Degree students in Ancient Studies. Even if you're pursuing a Master's in another field, you're more than welcome to join us, though you'll need to slot this course among your optional exams.

Students will be able to:
- describe and critically evaluate how the concept of shamanism has been applied to archaeological evidence from Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods.
- identify and explain the specific methodological challenges and limitations of using shamanic models to interpret prehistoric material culture.
- understand the theoretical foundations of archaeological interpretations, including the role of analogy (particularly ethnographic analogy) in constructing explanatory models.
- interpret various types of material evidence—such as burials, ritual objects, iconography, architecture, and landscapes—in a nuanced way, considering multiple possible interpretations beyond a single framework.

Passion, interest, and curiosity for the topic. Affinity for cooperative work and group discussion. Commitment to actually reading the texts we're going to discuss!

In this course, we will focus on a critical analysis of shamanic interpretations applied to archaeological contexts. We will examine Neolithic and Chalcolithic contexts (c. 10,000 - 3500 BCE) where material evidence—burials, ritual objects, iconography, architecture, and landscapes—has been interpreted through the lens of shamanism. The goal is to evaluate the scientific validity of such approaches, discuss the methodological challenges, and assess the explanatory potential they offer for understanding (not only) prehistoric and protohistoric societies.

General Reference Works:

Greenberg, R. (2019) The archaeology of the Bronze Age Levant: from urban origins to the demise of city-states, 3700-1000 BCE. Cambridge, United Kingdom New York: Cambridge University Press (Cambridge world archaeology).
Akkermans, P.M.M.G. and Schwartz, G.M. (2003) The archaeology of Syria: from complex hunter-gatherers to early urban societies (c. 16,000-300 BC). Cambridge, UK ; New York: Cambridge University Press (Cambridge world archaeology).

The successful student is required to pass an oral exam based on the reading assignments.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

Regarding the grading scale (the method by which grades will be assigned), regardless of whether the student is attending or non-attending:

Scores in the 18-22 range will be given in the presence of:

Sufficient knowledge and applied understanding related to the syllabus;
Limited ability to gather and/or interpret data, forming independent judgments;
Sufficient communication skills, particularly in relation to the use of specific and appropriate terminology;

Scores in the 23-26 range will be given in the presence of:

Fair knowledge and applied understanding related to the syllabus;
Fair ability to gather and/or interpret data, forming independent judgments;
Fair communication skills, particularly in relation to the use of specific terminology;

Scores in the 27-30 range will be given in the presence of:

Good to excellent knowledge and applied understanding related to the syllabus;
Suitable to excellent ability to gather and/or interpret data, forming independent judgments;
Wholly appropriate communication skills, particularly in relation to the use of specific and appropriate terminology and language;

Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied understanding related to the syllabus, judgment capability, and communication skills.

Directed Reading, integrated by research and study activities in class. Participants are required to prepare recommended readings before the lecture, to prepare presentations and to engage in class activities.

Foreign-language students are welcome to attend, but are invited to contact the teacher in advance (email me).