Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Literature
ANEE 210
T/Th: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
A. Beek
This course offers a broad survey of Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian literature. We will explore the rich heritage of narrative and mythological compositions through which the Mesopotamians and Egyptians tried to explain the natural phenomena, the religious beliefs and the history of the world around them. Examples of this include myths of creation, stories about gods, the great Flood, the Epic of Gilgamesh, the story of Sinuhe and many others. Other genre of literature will be explored such as the most ancient Legal Codes in history, Pyramid Texts, Wisdom Literature and Proverbs, Love Poetry and Humoristic compositions. Finally, some time will be devoted to the relation of these literatures with the texts that were composed in the Levant, where the alphabet was envisioned, and with the Bible, which grew within this Near Eastern context. All the texts will be read in English translation. Offered as ANEE 210 and WLIT 210.
Readings from the Epic of Gilgamesh
AKKD 205
T/Th: 2:30 – 3:45 PM
M. Rumor
In this course, we will read the entire Standard Babylonian recension of the Epic of Gilgamesh, considered the first great work of literature, from the original Akkadian text. While the primary goal of the course will be to become proficient readers of Akkadian, we will take some excursus on topics such as Babylonian religion, whether Gilgamesh was a historical figure or not, how the text was put together, and its possible influence on later heroic traditions such as the Greco-Roman. Offered as AKKD 205, AKKD 405, WLIT 205 and WLIT 405.
From Rome to Istanbul: The Byzantine World, ca. 200 – 1453 CE
CLSC 102
M/W: 12:45 – 2:00 PM
M. Hammond
Development of the Byzantine empire from the emperor Constantine’s conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity and the founding of the eastern capital at Constantinople, and ending with the city’s conquest and transformation into the Ottoman capital of Istanbul in 1453 CE. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships with Byzantium’s neighbors to the west (Roman Papacy, Venice, Crusaders, etc.) and especially to the east (Persian Wars, rise of Islam, early Ottoman Empire). Offered as ANEE 102 and CLSC 102 and HSTY 102.
The Ancient World
CLSC 193
M/W/F: 11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
A. Beek
This course offers students an introduction to the history and culture of several ancient civilizations (including those of Mesopotamia, the Levant, Egypt, Greece, and Rome) as well as their lasting legacies. Offered as ANEE 193 and CLSC 193 and HSTY 193.
Athens: City in Context (Spring Study Abroad)
CLSC 199
W: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
M. Hammond
Students selected for their strong background and/or interest in Greek Civilization spend Spring Break in Athens, Greece. The intensive week-long itinerary will focus on the city of Athens, bringing students to major sites including the Acropolis, the Agora, and the city’s major museums, with day-trips to nearby sites (such as, for example, Delphi, Sounion, and/or the island of Aegina) designed to place Athens into greater context. No language prerequisites, but the course may include instruction in basic modern Greek. Specific thematic focus and the frequency of any pre- and/or post-Spring Break classroom meetings at CWRU to be arranged by the instructor.
Sword and Sandal: The Ancient Mediterranean in Film
CLSC 224
T/Th: 4:00 – 5:15 PM
A. Beek
In this course students will watch and discuss a variety of films about ancient Greece, Rome, the Near East, and Egypt, running the gamut from Hollywood classics such as Ben-Hur and Cleopatra to more recent blockbusters like 300 and Gladiator, and from mainstream hits such as Disney’s Hercules to controversial and avant-garde films such as Fellini Satyricon and Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq. No prior knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean is necessary; all readings and films will be in English or subtitled in English. Offered as ANEE 224, CLSC 224, and WLIT 224.
Ancient Roman Art and Architecture: Power, Politics, and Diversity
CLSC 230
T/Th: 10:00 – 11:15 AM
M. Popkin
This course explores the history of ancient Roman art and architecture, with a particular emphasis on the Roman Empire. We will focus on situating objects and monuments in the changing historical, cultural, political, and religious contexts of the Roman world. The course will introduce students to famous buildings such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon in Rome, but we will also look at lesser known but equally fascinating works that offer insight into the imaginations, aspirations, and identities of the Roman Empire’s diverse population. From statues and paintings to oil lamps with erotic scenes, drinking cups with images of famous athletes, and even travel souvenirs, Romans were surrounded by images and objects that allowed them to participate in but also shape and resist a broader imperial culture. Students will consider how art and architecture shaped the complex ways that people living in the Roman world related to the empire and to regional and local cultural traditions from Egypt and North Africa, Northern Europe, and the Near East. Finally, we will also examine how the legacy of Roman art and architecture continues to fuel debates about power, politics, and representation in the United States, including controversies over Confederate monuments. The course will include frequent visits to the Cleveland Museum of Art and, weather permitting, other area sites such as Lakeview Cemetery (where some Cleveland patrons commissioned exact replicas of Roman monuments!). Offered as ARTH 230 and CLSC 230.
Gods and Gladiators: The World of Ancient Rome
CLSC 232
T/Th: 1:00 – 2:15 PM
E. Adkins
The enduring significance of the Romans studied through their history, literature, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, and political, economic and social structures. Lectures and discussion. Offered as CLSC 232 and HSTY 232.
Ancient Medicine
CLSC 337
T/Th: 10:00 – 11:15 AM
M. Rumor
This course offers a general survey of the history of medicine from its origins in pre-historical times to Galen (2nd c. CE) with a view to gaining a better understanding of the path that eventually lead to modern medical practice. The various medical systems considered, including the ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, Jewish, Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek and Roman traditions, will be examined through the study of primary and secondary sources, while key conceptual developments and practices are identified within their cultural and social context. Special issues, such as epidemics, women’s medicine, and surgery, are also explored and discussed. Offered as ANEE 337, CLSC 337, CLSC 437, HSTY 337, and HSTY 437.
Archaeology of the Ancient World
CLSC 344
T/Th: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
M. Hammond
This course examines the great civilizations of the ancient world, particularly those of the Ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome, through the archaeological record. Each of these geographic areas and their respective cultures will be individually explored, but also examined within a broader historical context. Particular focus will be placed on the social, political, religious, and economic ideas that were exchanged across Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Levant and the Mediterranean and the influence this interconnectivity had on these ancient societies. Offered as ANEE 344, ANEE 444, ANTH 344, ANTH 444, ARTH 344, ARTH 444, CLSC 344 and CLSC 444.
Senior Capstone
CLSC 381 / ANEE 381
The Senior Capstone is the final requirement of the Writing/Communication GER for majors in the Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies and Classics, and it should be taken in the fall semester of a student’s senior year. It involves researching, writing and giving an oral presentation of a paper of at least 20 pages on a topic relating to the Ancient Near East, or Ancient Egypt, or Greco-Roman history/culture, in consultation with the student’s Senior Capstone Instructor, who will regularly review its progress. Offered as ANEE 381 and CLSC 381.
Senior Honors Thesis
CLSC 382
P. Iversen | T. Wutrich
A course of independent study and research culminating in the preparation of a thesis on a topic approved by the supervising faculty member. Enrollment in this course must be approved by the Chair of the Department.
Directed Readings
CLSC 395
M. Hammond
Readings in English on a topic of interest to the student and acceptable to the instructor. Designed and completed under the supervision of the instructor with whom the student wishes to work.
Elementary Greek I
GREK 101
M/W/F: 2:15 PM – 3:05 PM
T. Wutrich
Beginning course in Greek language, covering grammar (forms and syntax) and the reading of elementary selections from ancient sources. Makes a start toward reading Greek authors.
Greek Prose Authors
GREK 201
T/Th: 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
R. Sternberg
Readings from authors such as Plato, Lysias, Xenophon, and Herodotus. Offered as GREK 201, GREK 401, WLIT 201 and WLIT 401.
Elementary Latin II
LATN 102
M/W/F: 9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
A. Beek
An introduction to the elements of Latin: pronunciation, forms, syntax, vocabulary, and reading.
Vergil
LATN 202
M/W: 3:20 – 4:35 PM
T. Wutrich
Primarily readings from The Aeneid; selections from Vergil’s other work may be introduced at instructor’s discretion. Recommended preparation: LATN 201 or equivalent. Offered as LATN 202, LATN 402, WLIT 232 and WLIT 432.
Advanced Topics in Latin Literature – Women Writers of Latin
LATN 380
T/Th: 10:00 – 11:15 AM
E. Adkins
Study and discussion of important authors, works, and topics not covered regularly. Content will reflect particular interests of students and faculty and timeliness of topics. Offered as LATN 380 and LATN 480.
Directed Readings
LATN 395
E. Adkins
Directed readings in Latin of authors selected to serve the individual interests and needs of undergraduate students. Each program planned and completed under the supervision of the instructor with whom the student wishes to work. Offered as LATN 395 and LATN 495.
