Key facts

UNE unit code: RELS384

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Many modern day social practices in many regions of the world have developed over centuries in response to the religious practices and beliefs of ancient times. In studying this unit, you will develop an appreciation of the religious history of the ancient near eastern region and deepen your understanding of these cultures.

In this unit you will examine the religions of the three major areas of the Ancient Near East: Egypt, Mesopotamia and Canaan/Israel.

You will look at the beliefs and practices of the Egyptians, Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Israelites. You will study the ancient myths, epic poetry, and afterlife spells and you will develop your ability to use primary and secondary resources as a basis for historical study.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
6cp in RELS or any 12cp or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
HIST384 or HIST484 or HIST584 or RELS202 or RELS302 or RELS402 or RELS584
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Mun-keat Choong
Mun-keat ChoongLecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. exhibit broad theoretical knowledge of the major religions of the ancient near east;
  2. demonstrate a high level of competence in the use of primary texts as resources for historical study;
  3. collect, collate, and synthesise evidence from a range of primary texts and secondary sources;
  4. compare and critically evaluate religious beliefs and practices across a range of ancient near eastern societies; and
  5. write analytically and coherently at undergraduate level.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes40%All offerings

Written Task

No. Words: 1500

Assessment 2Yes60%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 3000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Gods in the Desert: Religion of the Ancient Near East

ISBN: 9780742562271

Holland, G.S., Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. 2010

Note: Available as an e-book from Dixson Library, UNE.

Text refers to: All offerings

Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, The Flood, Gilgamesh and Others

ISBN: 9780199538362

Dalley, S., OUP 1989

Text refers to: All offerings

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