UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
Institute of Maltese Studies
M.A. in Maltese Studies
January/February 2010 Session of Examinations
IMS5002 – Topics in Maltese Studies
Wednesday, 3rd February 2010
Duration: 2 hours
16.45hrs – 18.45hrs
Please answer any TWO questions.
1.
Nascent nation states have often resorted to History and Archaeology in order to
claim for themselves a distinctive identity. Discuss.
2.
It is said that Archaeology can be a potent tool in the hands of politicians and
political groups. Discuss with reference to late nineteenth and twentieth century
Malta.
3.
Military architecture is the product of geography, technology, shape, form, and
texture. Discuss this statement in relation to the characteristic features that define
Maltese fortifications EITHER in the Hospitaller period (1530-1798) OR the
British period (1800-1945).
4.
The history of military architecture in the Maltese islands spans a period of over
three thousand years. Outline how this process of fortification served to influence
the local landscape, urban settlement patterns, the island’s economy, and the
overall militarization of Maltese society.
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5.
Describe the historical significance and structural features of any one fort or
fortress, or a specific category of fortifications (e.g. towers, batteries,
entrenchments, etc.) to be found in the Maltese islands.
6.
Malta has one of the highest concentrations of fortifications to be found anywhere
in the world. Discuss this statement in relation to the wealth of typological
diversity of fortifications existing in the Maltese islands.
7.
Discuss philately in a Maltese historical, political and cultural context.
8.
How far and in what ways may the minting of Maltese currency be said to bear on
Malta’s history and identity?
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