The concentration in the archaeology of the Near East examines the material culture of southwest Asia from the Neolithic to Roman periods, with particular emphasis on socio-political, economic and ideological variables and their relation to societal structure and change. Students will become familiar with archaeological and anthropological theory and method in addition to the Near Eastern evidence. Since the material culture data will be considered within the context of ancient Near Eastern studies, the student is also expected to become familiar with ancient Near Eastern language and history. Near Eastern archaeology students are expected to take all archaeology or Near Eastern art history seminars offered by the department unless otherwise directed by their advisor. Students will take two minors, at least one of which will consist of a minor in language. Language Minor All students will be responsible for a minor in one ancient language, e.g. Akkadian, Biblical Hebrew. A second language minor is also possible in lieu of the non-language minor. Non-language Minor If they select the non-language minor, students will be responsible for the archaeology of an area other than their major area (e.g. Egyptian archaeology) or they may create a minor through selected courses in other departments (e.g. Classics/Materials Science/Art History/Anthropology). History Cycle (see General Requirements) Comprehensive Examinations Comprehensive examinations will be given in the following four areas: 1. Archaeological method and theory 2. Archaeology of the Near East (southwest Asia) 3. Language 4. Non-language minor or second language minor Courses in Other Departments Archaeology students are encouraged to take (or audit) courses in other departments, depending on their research interests. Fieldwork Participation in field projects in the Near East, department-sponsored or otherwise, is recommended for all archaeology students. In particular, participation in the Johns Hopkins/University of Amsterdam expedition to Tell Umm el-Marra , Syria, will be encouraged. Smithsonian Institution Study in the Smithsonian Institution under the supervision of adjunct professors Ann Gunter (Sackler Gallery of Asian Art) and Melinda Zeder (American Museum of Natural History) may be an option for interested students. Return to Graduate Program Page | 
