This module provides students with training in identification and interpretation of primary archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East (Mesopotamia, the Levant, Anatolia/Turkey, Iran, the Arabian Gulf, and Arabia) from sites of the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age (ca.9500-2000 BC). The primary data taught consist of:

Published site reports
	Archaeological artefacts from collections held by the Institute of Archaeology and the British Museum's Near Eastern section
	Selected unpublished data from research projects directed by teachers of this module (using unpublished data that the teachers have the right to use)
AIMS: 

The aims of the module are to teach students:

• to recognize, classify & assess primary data from the Near Eastern Neolithic & Early Bronze Age

• to identify material culture from these periods

• to conduct in-depth analysis of artefacts & primary evidence as presented in project reports

• how to critique, understand, assess & work with primary archaeological evidence in order

• to address unsolved research questions about the Neolithic & Early Bronze Age

• basic skills required to carry out original research on early periods of the Near Eastern sequence. Assessments are designed to give students practice in writing for professional journals in Near Eastern archaeology

OBJECTIVES: 

On successful completion of this course a student should be able to:

• recognize, classify & assess primary data from the Near Eastern Neolithic & Early Bronze Age periods

• identify material culture from these periods

• undertake in-depth analysis of artefacts & primary evidence as presented in project reports

• critique, understand, assess & work with primary archaeological evidence in order to address unsolved research questions about the Neolithic & Early Bronze Age

• carry out original research on early periods of the Near Eastern archaeological sequence.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate an ability to:

• recognize, classify & assess primary data from the Near Eastern Neolithic & Early Bronze Age periods

• be able to identify material culture from these periods

• undertake in-depth analysis of artefacts & primary evidence as presented in project reports

• critique, understand, assess & work with primary archaeological evidence in order to address unsolved research questions about the Neolithic & Early Bronze Age

• carry out original research on early periods of the Near Eastern archaeological sequence. Assessments are designed to give students practice in writing for professional journals in Near Eastern archaeology

TEACHING METHODS: 

Lectures, seminar discussions, handling classes. Each two-hour session consists of a lecture and a seminar discussion. Two artifact handling sessions will be held. Teaching is interactive. Students will be asked to give short presentations; these are not assessed.

Further information is available here https://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/study/graduate-taught/courses/neolithic-and-early-bronze-age-near-east-emergence-villages-and-urban