Aspects of Elite Identity and Practice in the Bronze Age Aegean 2800-AFELI
The term ‘elite’ has become deeply embedded in Aegean Bronze Age archaeological discourse, but what do archaeologists mean when
they use this expression and how useful is it for our understanding of the past? The course investigates the application of this moniker to
people, material culture and practices in the region of the Aegean from the Early to the Late Bronze Age, with a particular focus on the
Minoan and Mycenaean cultures. It will examine what characteristics have been used by archaeologists to distinguish people, material
culture and practices as ‘elite’ and how these have been interwoven to create the concept of an elite identity. Spatial and chronological
comparison will be used to identify both universal elements and characteristics unique to a particular period or region. A range of sources
will be explored, including architecture, dress, insignia, weaponry, burial practices, feasting, iconography and contemporary texts. The
development of archaeological theory and changing interpretations of the ‘elite’ will be placed under scrutiny, including the imposition of
modern value judgements and the inherent challenges for the reconstruction of ancient systems of value and meaning. The consequences
of this terminology for understanding the wider community will also be discussed, as part of a critical assessment of the term ‘elite’, why it
is so pervasive in the archaeological literature of the Aegean Bronze Age and whether it helps or hinders our investigation of the past.
This course will be delivered through a mixture of short lectures and interactive sessions. Students will be expected to undertake a range
of informal and formal activities both as an individual and in small group settings, which will include discussions and presentations of data,
scholarly interpretations and their own opinions. This will entail a limited quantity of preparatory work outside of classes such as reading
and designing presentations. Together with the formal classes the total time required for this course is 45 hours.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The student:
K_W02 ~ knows detailed concepts and terminology used in Aegean Bronze Age archaeology
K_W03 ~ has extended knowledge of the description, analysis and interpretation of archaeological sources related to the Aegean Bronze
Age
K_W04 ~ has an ordered and theoretically based knowledge covering the key issues of Aegean Bronze Age archaeology, including
terminology, theories and methodology
K_W06 ~ has detailed, specialist knowledge of the ‘elite’ communities in the Aegean Bronze Age, including terminology, theories and
methodology in the field of archaeology
K_W12 ~ knows and understands advanced methods of analysis and interpretation of research problems in the field of Aegean Bronze
Age archaeology, appropriate for the traditions, theories and research schools related to the investigation of the ‘elite’
K_W13 ~ knows and understands advanced methods for the analysis and interpretation of information contained in scientific publications
concerning the Aegean Bronze Age
The student can:
K_U02 ~ identify, analyse, use, classify and interpret archaeological sources concerning the Aegean Bronze Age, by selecting appropriate
analytical methods, making a critical analysis and creating an interpretation in English
K_U03 ~ creatively use existing methods and techniques, adapting them to the needs arising from the specific research issues related to
the ‘elite’ in the Aegean Bronze Age
K_U05 ~ independently formulate conclusions, argue and create synthetic summaries in English about the ‘elite’ in the Aegean Bronze
Age whilst taking into account different views
K_U12 ~ present research results in the form of oral presentations in English, using specialised scientific language and terminology
appropriate for Aegean Bronze Age archaeology, with the use of information and communication technologies
K_U13 ~ use a foreign language at the B2 + level of the European System for the Description of Language Education and specialized
terminology in the field of Aegean Bronze Age archaeology
K_U15 ~ cooperate with other people as part of an interdisciplinary team
The student is ready to:
K_K01 ~ use their knowledge and skills and is aware of the need to challenge themselves through the opinions of experts
K_K02 ~ recognise the significant importance of artefacts, eco-facts and written sources from the Aegean Bronze Age as elements of the
cultural heritage of humanity
K_K03 ~assess the unique value of archaeological sources and their role in recreating the human past
K_K04 ~ critically evaluate the interpretation of archaeological sources with awareness of multi-faceted interpretation
K_K05 ~ use their knowledge of the complex nature of culture and analyse various categories of sources to recreate the human past
Assessment criteria
The performance of the students will be monitored throughout the course, and the quality of their contributions via discussion and
presentations will be assessed against the learning outcomes listed above. Of particular importance will be their ability to engage with the
major research questions concerning elites in the Aegean Bronze Age, to demonstrate a firm grasp of the relevant archaeological
evidence, to critically evaluate the interpretations of others and to construct and disseminate a coherent argument that shows some
element of original thinking.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: