Courses
Not all courses are offered every year. Please check Banner for class availability and meeting times.
Course Offerings 2011-2012
Semester I Course Descriptions 2011-2012
Semester II Course Descriptions 2011-2012
Courses open to Undergraduate and Graduate students.
ARCHAEOLOGY OF ANCIENT EGYPT EGYT 1200, EGYT 1210 Instructor: Staff
This course is a general survey of the archaeology of ancient Egypt in prehistoric and Pharaonic times. It covers such areas as the development of private and royal funerary monuments, private and royal dwellings, and temples. Attention is also paid to the principles of Egyptian art and architecture and, where appropriate, to archaeological connections with the surrounding cultures.
EGYT 1210 is a continuation of EGYT 1200. Students need not take both EGYT 1200 and 1210.
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No prerequisties
- Not offered 2011-12
ARCH 0150 Introduction to Egyptian Archaeology and Art
An introductory survey of the archaeology, art and architecture of ancient Egypt, ranging in time from the prehistoric cultures of the Nile Valley through the period of Roman control. While the course will examine famous features and characters of ancient Egypt (pyramids, mummies, King Tut!), it will also provide a wide-ranging review of the archaeology of this remarkable land. MWF 1:00-1:50. Instructor: Laurel Bestock
- Offered Semester II 2011-12.
MIDDLE EGYPTIAN:
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHIC WRITING SYSTEM AND THE CLASSICAL STAGE OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE EGYT 1310, EGYT 1320
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
Much of this two-semester sequence will be spent learning the signs, vocabulary and grammar of one of the oldest languages known. By the end of this introductory year, students read authentic texts of biographical, historical and literary significance. This is the cornerstone course in the Department of Egyptology--essential for any serious work in this field and particularly recommended for students in archaeology, history, classics, and religious studies.
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No prerequisites for EGYT 1310.
- EGYT 1310 is a prerequisite for EGYT 1320
-Offered Semester I (EGYT 1310) and Semester II (EGYT 1320)
SELECTIONS FROM MIDDLE EGYPTIAN HIEROGLYPHIC TEXTS
EGYT 1330
Instructor: James P. Allen
Readings from the various genres of classical Egyptian literature, including stories and other literary texts, historical inscriptions, and religious compositions. Students will be expected to translate and discuss assigned texts.
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Prerequisite: EGYT 1310, EGYT 1320
-May be repeated once for credit.
-Offered Semester I 2011-12
SELECTIONS FROM MIDDLE EGYPTIAN HIERATIC TEXTS
EGYT 1340
Instructor: Staff
Introduction to the hieratic script and readings from a variety of hieratic documents, including literary compositions, letters, and religious texts. Students will be expected to translate and discuss assigned texts
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Prerequisite: EGYT 1310, EGYT 1320
- May be repeated once for credit.
- Not offered 2011-12
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LITERATURE EGYT 1410
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
This survey is an introduction to one of the most intriguing aspects of ancient Egyptian culture. There are no prerequisites for this course, but students will be expected to read (in translation) many of the most significant literary documents that survive from Egypt. A reasonable amount of historical perspective will be presented, but students will be expected to participate in class discussions concerning the nature, purpose, quality, and effectiveness of the works read. Students will also be expected to write two term papers in this course.
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Not Offered 2011-12
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION AND MAGIC EGYT 1420
Instructor: James P. Allen
This course will provide an overview of ancient Egyptian religion from both a synchronic and diachronic perspective. We will examine such topics as the Egyptian pantheon, cosmology, cosmogony, religious anthropology, personal religion, magic, and funerary beliefs. Students will be acquainted with the different genres of Egyptian religious texts in translation. The archaeological evidence which contributes to our understanding of Egyptian religion will also be treated, including temple and tomb architecture and decoration. A mid-term and final will be given and one research paper will be required.
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Not Offered 2011-12
HISTORY OF EGYPT I
EGYT 1430
Instructor: Laurel Bestock
A survey of the history and society of ancient Egypt from prehistoric times to the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty (ca. 5000-1300 BC). Readings include translations from the original documents that serve as primary sources for the reconstruction of ancient Egyptian history.
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No prerequisites
-Offered Semester I 2011-12
HISTORY OF EGYPT II
EGYT 1440
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
A survey of the history and society of ancient Egypt from the Ramesside Period to the Roman conquest (ca. 1300-30 BC). Readings include translations from the original documents that serve as primary sources for the reconstruction of ancient Egyptian history.
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No prerequisites
- Offered Semester II 2011-12
EGYPT AFTER THE PHARAOHS: ARCHAEOLOGY AND SOCIETY IN THE COPTIC AND EARLY ISLAMIC PERIODS
EGYT 1470
Instructor: Ian Straughn
The history of Egypt may be famous for the tombs, pyramids and mummies of the Pharaonic periods. This course, however, offers a vision of a different Egypt, a later Egypt: one that evolved from the traditions of the past but was infused by Christianity, Islam, Arabic, and the emergence of one of the world's great cities: Cairo. Students will experience the heritage of Egypt that is contained in the mosque of al-Azhar, the monasteries of the Egyptian desert, and the pageantry and ritual of a new set of ruling elites. At the same time they will understand the continuities of this land which Egyptians refer to as Umm al-Duniya "Mother of the World".
- No prerequisites
- Not Offered 2011-12
CALENDARS AND CHRONOLOGY IN ANCIENT EGYPT & THE ANCIENT WORLD
EGYT 1490
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
Time is the dimension of history. Chronology studies show how we know when events happened. Chronology is much more important to "BC history" than to "AD history." B.C.E. But how do we know this? The focus of this class is on the answers to such questions through the study of the foundations of the history of Egypt specifically and of the ancient world in general. Some prior knowledge of Egyptian language or civilization might be handy but is by no means required.
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No prerequisites
- Not offered 2011-12
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
EGYT 1500
Instructor: Laurel Bestock
Ancient Egyptian art and architecture had a remarkably long history, and much that was produced is amazingly well preserved. Almost anything Egyptian is immediately recognizable today, but developments in most areas were steady and pronounced. To do justice to this subject, a number of experts will cooperate in presenting various topics including monumental buildings and lavishly decorated tombs, as well as the sculpture, painting, and minor arts of all periods from Predynastic to Nubian. The ancient artisans, their materials, and their techniques will be discussed; modern efforts undertaken to conserve and document their work will also be described. Prerequisite: previous course work in Egyptology (e.g. EGYT 1430 or 1440) or written permission of the instructor.
-Not Offered 2011-12
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ART II EGYT 1510
Instructor: Laurel Bestock
Considers the art of the ancient Egypt's New Kingdom or Empire Period (1500-1100 B.C.). The relief carving and painting of Theban temples and tombs are studied in detail, and the developments leading to the revolutionary Amarna style of art is carefully analyzed. Decorative arts, Tutankhamun's treasures, and recent exciting discoveries are all surveyed.
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Not Offered 2011-12
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN HOUSEHOLD AND SETTLEMENT EGYT1520
Instructor: Nicholas Picardo
Survey of the primary settlement remains from the Pharaonic Period of ancient Egypt, addressing the practices and problems in settlement and household archaeology. Not open to first year students.
- Not Offered 2011-12
ETHNIC IDENTITY IN GRAECO-ROMAN EGYPT EGYT1550
Instructor: Rachel Mairs
Egypt under Greek and Roman rule (from c. 332 BC) was a diverse place, its population including Egyptians, Greeks, Jews, Romans, Nubians, Arabs, and even Indians. This course will explore the sometimes controversial subject of ethnic identity and its manifestations in the material and textual record from Graeco-Roman Egypt, through a series of case studies involving individual people and communities. Topics will include multilingualism, ethnic conflict and discrimination, legal systems, and gender, using evidence from contemporary texts on papyrus as well as recent archaeological excavations and field survey projects.
-Offered Semester II 2011-12
SENIOR SEMINAR
EGYT 1910, EGYT 1920
Instructor: Staff
Senior seminar.
Offered Semester I (EGYT 1910) and Semester II (EGYT 1920).
Check with the Registrar to determine the appropriate section.
INTRODUCTION TO AKKADIAN AWAS 0200
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
This course is the first semester of an intensive, yearlong introduction to the Akkadian language, first written down over four thousand years ago in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). Attested in two main dialects, Babylonian and Assyrian, Akkadian is the earliest known member of the Semitic family of languages. We will grapple with the intricacies of the cuneiform ("wedge-shaped") writing system and master the Neo-Assyrian monumental script. Students will learn the fundamentals of the phonology, morphology, and grammar of the classical Old Babylonian dialect (ca. 1800 BCE) and read selections from the Laws of Hammurapi in the original language.
- No prerequisites.
- Not Offered 2011-12
INTERMEDIATE AKKADIAN AWAS 0210
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
This course is the second semester of an intensive, yearlong introduction to the Akkadian (Babylonian/Assyrian) language. Students will deepen their knowledge of the cuneiform writing system and continue to develope their grasp of Akkadian grammar. Readings from Mesopotamian texts in the original will include, among others, selections from the Laws of Hammurapi, Assyrian historical texts (such as the accounts of Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem), and the story of the Flood from the Standard Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh.
- Prerequiste AWAS 0200
- Not Offered 2011-12
BABYLON: MYTH AND REALITY (FIRST YEAR SEMINAR)AWAS 0300
Instructor: John Steele
From the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the Tower of Babel to Babylon 5, the city of Babylon in ancient Iraq holds an important place in the contemporary culture. But how much of what is commonly known of Babylon is true? In this course we will explore the ancient city of Babylon through its texts and archaeological remains and investigate the ways Babylon has been viewed over the past two thousand years.
- No prerequisites
- Offered Semester II 2011-12
INTRODUCTION TO THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST AWAS 0800
Instructor: Omur Harmansah
This course offers an introduction to the study of the political, social and cultural history of the ancient Near East, from prehistory to the end of the Iron age (ca. 330 BC) Both literary sources and archaeological evidence are examined as relevant. Near East is understood here in its widest geograhic extent, including primarily the Mesopotamian lowlands, Iranian and Syro-Anatolian highlands, as well as the Levantine coast. The course not only offers a foundational survey of the historical developments in the region, but also addresses the broader methodological and historigraphic problems involved in Near Eastern studies.
- No prerequisites
- Not offered 2011-12
IMAGINING THE GODS: MYTHS AND MYTH-MAKING IN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AWAS 1100
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
Creation, the Flood, the Tower of Babel—well-known myths as these have their origins in ancient Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Using both ancient texts in translation and archaeology, this course will explore categories of Mesopotamian culture labeled ‘myth’ and ‘religion’ (roughly 3300-300 BCE), critically examining the ancient evidence as well as various modern interpretations. Topics will include myths of creation and the flood, prophecy and divination, death and the afterlife, ritual, kingship, combat myths and apocalypses, the nature and expression of ancient religious experience, and the representations of the divine.
- No prerequisites
- Offered Semester II 2011-12
ANCIENT BABYLONIAN MAGIC AND MEDICINE AWAS 1500
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
A survey of ancient magic and medicine focusing on Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq, ca. 2500-300BCE), with an emphasis on beliefs about the body, health, illness, and the causes of disease, such as witchcraft or angry gods. Topics will include the training of healers, exorcists, and herbalists; concepts of contagion and plague; modalities of treatment, incantations, prayers, and empirical remedies like prescriptions; ancient perceptions of problems like sexual dysfunction, the perils of pregnancy, tooth decay, epilepsy, and mental illness. Readings will be drawn from ancient texts (in translation), archaeology, and parallels with ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Bible.
- No prerequisites
- Not Offered 2011-12
ASTRONOMY BEFORE THE TELESCOPE AWAS 1600
Instructor: John Steele
This course provides an introduction to the history of astronomy from ancient times down to the invention of the telescope, focusing on the development of astronomy in Babylon, Greece, China, the medieval Islamic world, and Europe. The course will cover topics such as the invention of the zodiac, cosmological models, early astronomical instruments, and the development of astronomical theories. We will also explore the reasons people practiced astronomy in the past. No prior knowledge of astronomy is necessary for this course.
- Not Offered 2011-12
TIME IN THE ANCIENT WORLD AWAS 1650
Instructor: John Steele
Time plays many roles in civic and everyday life: calendars provide a way of regulating activities ranging from gathering taxes to knowing when to perform religious rituals. This course will provide an introduction to the way time was measured, used, regulated and conceived in the ancient world. We will cover topics such as the calendars used in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and China, sundials and other instruments used for measuring time in the ancient world and the way time is used in scientific and non-scientific texts.
- No prerequisites
- Not offered 2011-12
ASTRONOMY, DIVINATION AND POLITICS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD AWAS 1700
Instructor: John Steele
This course will explore the relationship between astronomy, divination and politics in the ancient world. The sky provided ancient cultures with many possibilities for observing occurrences that be interpreted as omens. In many cultures, celestrial omens were directed towards the king and his government. As a result, interpreting and controlling celestrial omens became an important political activity. In this course, we will explore how and why astronomical events were used politically in ancient Mesopotamia, the Greco-Roman world, and ancient and medieval China. No prior knowledge of astronomy is necessary for this course.
- No prerequisites
- Not Offered 2011-12
DIVINATION IN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AWAS 1750
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
The interpretation of natural events as portents of good or bad outcomes played and important role in religious, political, scholarly and everyday life in ancient Mesopotamia. In this course we will study Mesopotamian omen literature from textual, scientific, philosophical and cultural viewpoints in order to understand how divination operated and what it was used for.
- No prerequisites.
- Offered Semester I 2011-12
SENIOR HONORS THESIS
It is possible for students to receive the AB in Egyptology or Ancient Western Asian Studies with departmental honors. (Please note that this differs from graduating magna cum laude). For this purpose, students will need to write a senior honors thesis according to the following criteria and procedure.
1. Accumulate a 3.5 grade point average by the end of the junior year.
2. At the beginning of the senior year, consult with the department’s undergraduate advisor. If the advisor agrees that a senior honors thesis can be undertaken, the student must obtain the agreement of two faculty members (at least one from the department) to serve as readers and the approval of the department chair.
3. During the first semester of the senior year, prepare a detailed outline of the thesis, with accompanying bibliography, in consultation with both readers. This should result in a thesis plan approved by both readers before the end of the semester.
4. In the second semester of the senior year, register for a Senior Seminar. This will normally involve meetings with the first reader twice a month, and with the second reader monthly, to discuss researching and writing the thesis.
5. Finish writing the thesis before the end of classes in the semester. As a rule of thumb, the thesis should be no more than 100 pages in length, including bibliography.
6. At a half-hour session during exam period, give a short presentation and defense of the thesis to both readers and any other faculty or students who wish to attend.
Courses primarily for Graduate students.
INTRODUCTION TO COPTIC EGYT 2210
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
Coptic, the last stage of the ancient Egyptian language, was written with essentially Greek alphabetic characters. This course is an introduction to Sahidic, which is perhaps the best representation of the Coptic dialects. Sahidic grammar will be explained, and some texts, mainly of a biblical and patristic nature, will be read. Open to undergraduates with the consent of the instructor. Knowledge of Middle Egyptian and/or Greek would be helpful.
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No prerequisites
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Offered Semester I 2011-12
HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE EGYT 2310
Instructor: James P. Allen
Diachronic survey of ancient Egyptian from Old Egyptian through Coptic, covering changes in phonology and grammar and analyzing the processes through which these changes took place. Course requirements are short research papers to be presented in class and a final examination. Previous course work in at least one stage of the Egyptian language required; knowledge of Late Egyptian, Demotic (grammar) or Coptic preferable.
- Prerequisites: EGYT 1310 and EGYT 1320, plus either
EGYT 2210, EGYT 2410 or EGYT 2610
- Offered Semester II 2011-12
INTRODUCTION TO LATE EGYPTIAN EGYT 2410
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
Introduction to the grammar of the third historical phase of ancient Egyptian and the readings from its various genres, including literary texts, letters, historical inscriptions, and tomb-robbing papyri. Students will be expected to translate and discuss assigned texts.
- Prerequisites: EGYT 1310, EGYT 1320
- Not Offered 2011-12
SOCIAL LIFE IN ANCIENT EGYPT EGYT 2510
Instructor: Laurel Bestock
This course will provide a valuable opportunity to link theory and data innovatively. Taking the lifecycle as its structure, it covers Egyptian life from conception to death and the afterlife, drawing together a range of data sources, such as a material culture, iconography, textual data, and human remains.
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Not Offered 2011-12
INTRODUCTION TO DEMOTIC
EGYT 2610
Instructor: Leo Depuydt
After discussions and exercises in the grammar and peculiar script of this late stage of the Egyptian language, the student will begin reading actual ancient texts, including The Instructions of Onkhsheshonkhy, The Petition of Petiese , and The Story of Setne Khaemwas . Knowledge of Demotic remains essential for a proper understanding of Egypt during the Saite, Persian, Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Open to Undergraduates with the consent of the instructor.
- Prerequisites: EGYT 2410 or EGYT 2210
- Not offered 2011-12
INTRODUCTION TO OLD EGYPTIAN
EGYT 2810
Instructor: Staff
Introduction to the grammar of the first historical phase of ancient Egyptian and readings from its two primary genres, the Pyramid Texts and autobiographical inscriptions. Students will be expected to translate and discuss assigned texts.
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Prerequisites: EGYT 1330, EGYT 1340
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Not offered 2011-12
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION PREPARATION
EGYT 2970
Instructor: Staff.
For graduate students who have met the tuition requirement and are paying the Registration Fee to continue active enrollment while preparing for a preliminary examination
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Offered Semester I and II
READING AND RESEARCH
EGYT 2980
Instructor: Staff.
Reading and Research
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Offered Semester I and II
THESIS PREPARATION
EGYT 2990
Instructor: Staff
For graduate students who have met the tuition requirement and are paying the Registration Fee to continue active enrollment while preparing a thesis.
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Offered Semester I and II
HISTORIOGRAPHY OF THE EXACT SCIENCES AWAS 2120
Instructor: John Steele
Introduces graduate students to the sources, problems, and methodologies of the history of astronomy and mathematics from Babylon to Kepler.
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Offered Semester I 2011-12
ANCIENT SCIENTIFIC TEXTS: AKKADIAN AWAS 2310A
Instructor: John Steele
Readings and analysis of a major scientific text in Akkadian.
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Offered Semester II 2011-12
ASSYRIOLOGY l AWAS 2310B
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
The kings of Babylonia and Assyria took every opportunity to boast about their military victories, successful hunts, the completion of new cities, and the building and decoration of temples and palaces. But is theirs the only possible version of Mesopotamian history? This course examines episodes in the history of Babylonia and Assyria (ca. 2400-500BCE) by looking at the political and social relationships among kings, political elites, entrepreneurs, and commoners; emphasis is placed on reading Akkadian texts both in the original and in translation, with a focus on letters, royal inscriptions, and astrological reports. Prerequisite: AWAS0210 or instructor's permission.
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Offered Semester I 2011-2012
ASSYRIOLOGY II AWAS 2310C
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
This semester will focus on selected topics of the Neo-Assyrian history (1000-612 BC), including: the royal family; the queen and her influence; celebrating New Year's festivals; hunting lions; conquering a city; constructing and decorating palaces and temples; urban renewal and the founding of new cities; the substitute king ritual; and scholarly life. Assyria in the first millennium BC will be examined principally from Assyrian texts in translation.
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Not offered 2011-12
TOPICS IN CUNEIFORM STUDIES AWAS 2600
Instructor: Matthew Rutz
Advanced readings in Akkadian and Sumerian cuneiform texts in the original script and language(s). The focus of this course will be on close reading of a specific genre, period, and/or dialect. A rotating cycle of topics to be covered may include the following with a synchronic and/or diachronic approach: historical texts and royal inscriptions, legal and administrative texts, letters, literary and religious texts, medical texts, or scholastic texts. May be repeated for credit.
- Prerequisite: AWAS 0210 or permission of instructor
- Not Offered 2011-12
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANCIENT SCIENCES AWAS 2700
Instructor: John Steele
This course will be a topics course containing a detailed technical and cultural study of an area of science in a culture of the ancient world. Although intended for graduate students, undergraduate students who have taken AWAS1600 or a similar course may be admitted at the instructor's discretion.
- Offered Semester I 2011-12