Many theories have been proposed to explain urbanization and the rise of the state in Mesopotamia. Review the theories presented in pages 3-6 above, keeping in mind how each theory fits the archaeological evidence. Think about the elements (on pages 1 and 2) stressed by each theory. Also think about the time when each of these factors or features began to be important, as indicated by the archaeological evidence. 6 ESSAY ASSIGNMENT Based on your own interpretation of the archaeological record presented in the lectures, the textbooks, and the reading packet articles, how would you explain urbanization and the rise of the state/civilization in Mesopotamia? For background, review the theories of others presented here on pages 3 to 6. Think about which theories seem to fit the archaeological evidence and which do not. Then examine the factors listed on pages 1 and 2. Which factors seem to come first? Which are most important? How are the initial factors integrated with others to produce feedback cycles leading to the rise of Sumerian civilization? Your paper should start with the Ubaid time period or culture, but as you explain what happens in the Ubaid, you could use evidence from earlier Mesopotamian cultures (Hassuna, Halaf and Samarran, ONLY). Do NOT explain the origins of agriculture NOR of these pre- Ubaid cultures!! You may choose to explain the rise of the theocratic state and your essay should end in the Jemdet Nasr period, or you may choose to explain the rise of the secular state in which case your essay should end with the Early Dynastic period. 1) Title Page: Title, your name, date of submission, my name and course title (ANTH 214) should be included on this page. 2) Diagram: On the first sheet, construct a flow chart showing your opinion on the relationships between the factors involved in your “model” of Mesopotamian cultural evolution. Some examples of this kind of flow chart will be given in class (Handouts 5 and 12) and are shown in the class reading packet articles. 3) Interpretation and Evidence: In the body of your paper you should succinctly Explain your model on the causal order and relationships of factors. Justify your theory or interpretation in terms of specific and detailed archaeological evidence from class and readings in terms of chronological priority and in terms of the relative importance of factors. Keep in mind that the theory you choose depends on chronology, especially when you believe the “state to have appeared. Suggestions: You may want to organize the discussion of your theory and evidence chronologically. Make sure you explain how different factors may affect each other during each chronological period, and how they may lead to feedback cycles. 5) Conclusion: The paper should have a short conclusion summarizing the ideas you presented in the paper. 6) Bibliography: The last page of your essay should be the bibliography: a list of all sources to which you made a reference in the essay. Make sure you refer to the source of any evidence or idea or theory which is not your own. Evaluation and Technical Notes: ? The essay is due by 5:00 ., Nov. 10, 2021 in my mailbox in Hollander Hall (or by email ). An automatic 24-hour extension applies to this essay. Late papers turned in beyond that will be penalized. 7 ? Paper must consist of a diagram or flow chart on the first page (after title page), followed by a 12 to 15 page essay as described above. Pages should be typed, double-spaced, about 225-250 words per page. ? Papers should be well organized and structured (use sub-headings as much as possible). They should be carefully written, edited, and corrected. Papers will be graded on form and quality of expression, as well as content. Also think through, review, and revise your model and arguments several times. Suggestions: ? In presenting your own theory you do not need to discuss every element listed on the first two pages, only those you consider important. Also feel free to add your own factor(s) or elements if you identify others. ? Think of your theory as if its telling the story of what happened and why it happened from the perspective of the ancient Sumerians. Put yourself in the shoes of the first Ubaid people who were a mixture of local marsh peoples and Samarran influences (or even Samarran immigrants). ? Your theory may be similar to one of the popular theories given on pages 3, 4, and 5 above, or it may draw on the broader social theories (. Childe, White, Marx), or it may be a combination of such theories. ? Your justification should not be purely theoretical; it should cite specific archaeological or historical evidence and interpretations. Citations should be to the course readings and lectures. Citations to readings should include the authors, year of the publication and page number, . Lamberg-Karlovsky and Sabloff 1994:56 (presented as either footnotes or within the text within parentheses; you can shorten these authors names to L-K & S). Citation to lectures should be: Foias, Lecture 2/7/97. It is always preferable to cite your readings rather than lectures. You may do outside reading if you are so inclined, but it is not required. ? Pay particular attention to the chronological order of the appearance of the various factors. ? While many solutions may be incorrect in view of the present data, there is no “correct” answer yet known. Yet much of the evidence discussed in class guides you toward certain answers or at least limits the possibilities. This question is an intellectual puzzle, but it is not merely a philosophical or theoretical essay. Your theory is only convincing if you support it with lots of evidence!! Paper Grading: The criteria for grading papers are: a. writing style and format b. clarity and organization 8 c. cogency of argumentation d. extent to which paper evinces deep understanding of course materials e. extent to which paper goes beyond the course materials in an original, thought-provoking way Grading of papers: A. Papers in the A range exhibit strikingly thought-provoking, original thinking and/or modes of presentation and argumentation, expressed in clear, cogent, error-free writing. Only work that goes well beyond class discussions will be considered for an A grade. B. Papers in the B range exhibit general mastery of the course materials and discussions, expressed in clear, cogent, and mostly error-free writing. C. Papers in the C range exhibit inadequate understanding of the course materials and discussions and/or deficient, error-plagued writing. D. Papers in the D range exhibit wholly inadequate understanding of the course materials combined with deficient, error-plagued writing. Pluses, minuses, or flat grades within any of these ranges reflect the instructor’s judgment of the merits of the paper relative to other papers in the same range.Show more
