58勛圖

AA4009 Petra and the Nabataeans: Classicism in the Desert

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available to General Degree students with the permission of the Honours Adviser.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr L V R Wadeson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Lucy Wadeson

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module introduces students to the Nabataeans and their key city of Petra. We use archaeological, artistic, literary and epigraphic sources to shed light on the elusive society and customs of the Nabataeans, and to develop an understanding of how eastern and western cultural forces interacted in the Nabatean kingdom and of how Hellenistic and Roman influences shaped its culture. We explore religious and funerary traditions, the role of women, the royal family and their relations with Herod and the Romans, engineering and construction techniques, artistic traditions, and Petra in Byzantine and later times. We discuss how the Nabataean kingdom emerged in the wider context of the Greco-Roman world and how the Nabataeans developed a unique cultural identity, utilising traditions from both the east and west. We also consider how Nabataean culture impacted the later Islamic world and the relationship between the archaeological site of Petra and its modern Bedouin inhabitants.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

AS STATED IN THE SCHOOL OF CLASSICS UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK.

Assessment pattern

Coursework= 100%

Re-assessment

Examination= 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2-hour seminar (x 11 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • demonstrate, in class discussion, coursework and examination as required, a sound knowledge of a wide range of archaeological and textual material relating to the Nabataean kingdom and its principal city of Petra.
  • demonstrate, in class discussion, coursework and examination as required, an ability to recognise and comment on how art and architecture were used in the formation of a Nabataean cultural identity and the role Greco-Roman culture played in this.
  • demonstrate, in class discussion, coursework and examination as required, an ability to assess the validity or usefulness of a range of viewpoints and critical approaches.
  • demonstrate, in class discussion, coursework and examination as required, enhanced skills in analysing different types of primary evidence.
  • demonstrate, in class discussion, coursework and examination as required, an ability to express their opinions and construct logical arguments in oral and written form, by formulating appropriate questions and utilising relevant evidence considered in the course.