The course examines the ancient Near East, its history, culture, and religion as evidenced through archaeological excavation and the interpretation of archaeological data. Foreign travel is required. The student may repeat the course for credit whenever the content varies. The course is offered only on demand.
The course examines the cultural remains discovered through archaeological excavations from the regions of ancient Mesopotamia and Persia. Important elements in the study include social and political institutions, religion, and literature of the regions. Students will review materials related to selected archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic period to conquest of the region by Alexander the Great.
The course examines the cultural remains discovered through archaeological excavations in ancient Egypt. Important elements in the study include social and political institutions, religion, and literature of the region. Students will review materials related to selected archaeological sites dating from the Naqad a period to the end of the Ptolemaic period.
The course examines the cultural remains discovered through archaeological excavations in ancient Greece and Rome. Important elements in the study include social and political institutions, religion, and literature of the regions. Students will study representative sites from the Minoan civilization through the rule of Constantine.
The course examines the cultural remains of ancient Syria-Palestine through the study of representative archaeological sites in the Levant and neighboring regions. Students will review materials related to archaeological site dating from the Neolithic period to the end of the second century CE.