This course will consider the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, as well as related cultures in the area of the ancient Middle East which fall between the two great river valley civilizations. We will be looking at the development of these cultures, including (I hope) their political, social, and religious institutions.

Book for the course:

A. Bernard Knapp. The History and Culture of Ancient Western Asia and Egypt

We will be proceeding as the textbook (Knapp) does, by millennium. This seems to be the best way to proceed since we are not doing a single culture and these areas interact with each other on a constant basis. However, this will cause some adjustments in the reading for the course. Please, begin reading it as soon as possible.

      I.  The Rise of Civilization: 9000-3000 B.C.

          Knapp.         Chapters I and II
          
     II. The Third Millennium

          Knapp.         Chapter III

     III.  The Second Millennium

          Knapp.         Chapter IV
          
     IV.  The First Millennium
     
          Knapp.         Chapter V
          

We will be spending a little more than a week on each section listed above. However, it will be inevitable that we will have to make adjustments.

Written assignments and grading: Your grades in this class will be based on a writing assignment and consistent attendance. Your written assignment will be 80% of your grade. The remaining 20% will be based upon consistent attendance.

Undergraduates: Undergraduates will do a research paper of moderate length (10-12 pages). Please, consult with me concerning your paper topic before you begin. Your papers will be due on the last day of class.

Graduate students: Graduate students will do a research paper in two drafts, 14-15 pages in length. Please, consult with me concerning your paper topic before you begin. The papear will be due on the last day of class.

All papers (graduate and undergraduate) must be typed and double-spaced, with appropriate margins. Papers must contain the necessary footnotes (endnotes, citations) and bibliography. Undergraduate students who are not History majors may use the citation form that is normal for their field or the form taught in English Composition. History majors and graduate students in the History Department should use Turabian. Other graduate students should use the form normal for their discipline.

Last updated: The Ides of March, 2003