Art and Architecture of Ancient Cyprus: Archaeological Perspectives (U03313)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-Cyprus

Cyprus is at the crossroads between the Ancient Near East and Europe. It has been subject to influences from Egypt, Assyria, Phoenicia and especially Greece. In spite of these impacts, the islands cultures remained highly distinctive, like so many other ancient island societies in contact with nearby civilisations. This course investigates the dynamics of Mediterranean island identity as expressed through the case study of art and architecture recovered by archaeologists in Cyprus. It deals with periods from the first sedentary farmers to the creation of the mosaics at the World Heritage site of Nea Paphos. One of the themes in dedicated studies is the propensity of islanders to select and adapt external influences, often for the construction of elite identities. Art forms to be considered in their architectural settings include figurines, sculptures, jewellery, vase painting and mosaics.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Archaeology 2A and 2B or Honours entry to degrees in History of Art or Architectural History or Classics, or equivalent.

? Costs : None.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Archaeology, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Wednesday	11:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : N.B. Timetable is arranged annually; the above time refers to session 2006/7

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

A knowledge and understanding of
- The manner in which interdisciplinary studies can lead to much richer reconstructions.
- Critical awareness of the archaeological context of art and architecture.
- Early contacts between Europe and the Middle East.
- How early island societies appropriated, adapted and rejected external stimuli
- The strengths and weaknesses of the archaeological record.
- The development of island societies as exemplified by the Cypriot record.
- The development of western attitudes to other cultures (cf. in this context Edward Said, Orientalism).