Premodern Middle East History and Culture
Course code
HIL6579.HT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Lähis-Ida vanem ajalugu ja kultuur
Course title in English
Premodern Middle East History and Culture
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Brief description of the course
The course provides a systematic overview of the ancient history and cultures of the Middle East from the earliest civilizations to the emergence of Islam. It examines major civilizations and societies, including Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Iranian, Jewish, Hittite, Arabian, and early Christian traditions, as well as their literary and cultural heritage.
Lectures are complemented by seminars in which students read and analyse selected primary and secondary texts. The course supports the development of analytical and comparative skills, as well as the ability to interpret early cultural and historical processes in a broader intercultural context. The thematic focus of the course may vary depending on the lecturer.
Lectures are complemented by seminars in which students read and analyse selected primary and secondary texts. The course supports the development of analytical and comparative skills, as well as the ability to interpret early cultural and historical processes in a broader intercultural context. The thematic focus of the course may vary depending on the lecturer.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- demonstrates systematic knowledge of the main civilizations, cultures, and historical developments of the ancient Middle East up to the emergence of Islam;
- analyses and interprets texts related to the literary and cultural heritage of the region;
- is able to independently analyse sources from Middle Eastern literary traditions in accordance with the topics covered in the course;
- applies acquired knowledge in discussing and writing about early Middle Eastern cultures and societies;
- critically evaluates information and academic sources and uses digital resources responsibly;
- works independently and collaboratively, communicating both orally and in writing in a multicultural academic environment.
- demonstrates systematic knowledge of the main civilizations, cultures, and historical developments of the ancient Middle East up to the emergence of Islam;
- analyses and interprets texts related to the literary and cultural heritage of the region;
- is able to independently analyse sources from Middle Eastern literary traditions in accordance with the topics covered in the course;
- applies acquired knowledge in discussing and writing about early Middle Eastern cultures and societies;
- critically evaluates information and academic sources and uses digital resources responsibly;
- works independently and collaboratively, communicating both orally and in writing in a multicultural academic environment.
Teacher
Üllar Peterson
Study programmes containing that course