All Courses
Archaeology and the Ancient World
Primarily for Undergraduates
3.Foundations of Western Art in Antiquity (Classics 3, History of Art and Architecture 3)
Examines the art of Greece and Rome for its significance to the modern world and in the context of the diversity of the parent cultures. Includes monuments of antiquity from the pyramids of Egypt to the Athenian Parthenon, the Pantheon in Rome to the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Explores Pompeian frescoes and recent archaeological discoveries. A foundation for study of almost any branch of Western humanism.
5.Archaeological Fieldwork (Anthropology 52, Classics 5)
Focuses on the aims, scope, and tools of field archaeology, and the nature of archaeological evidence. Emphasizes interdisciplinary fieldwork techniques and the composition, function, and responsibilities of an excavation staff. Examines systematic versus ad hoc excavations and their respective problems of preservation. Students excavate model sites in a laboratory and present a team report upon completion. Enrollment limited. Written permission required.
10.Field Archaeology in the Ancient World
Always wanted to be Indiana Jones? This course, focusing on the Mediterranean world and its neighbors in antiquity, interprets field archaeology in its broadest sense. In addition to exploring “how to do” archaeology – the techniques of locating, retrieving and analyzing ancient remains – we will consider how the nature of these methodologies affects our understanding of the past. S. E. Alcock.
36.Archaeology of Anatolia† (Anthropology 56)
Offers an archaeological survey of Anatolian civilization including an analysis of the settlements, history, art, architecture, and characteristics of specific sites and their artifacts, from prehistoric to Hellenistic periods.
37.Archaeology of Mesopotamia (Classics 117)
A cultural and historical survey of Mesopotamia, tracing its origins and developments from prehistory to 6th-century Babylon. Both archaeological sites and literature are examined, as are works of art and sources for social and political history. Prerequisite: AE 3 or equivalent background in archaeology.
38.Archaeology of Iran† (Anthropology 38)
An archaeological survey of the origins and development of the Iranian civilizations. Analysis of settlements, history, art, architecture, and characteristics of specific archaeological sites and their artifacts ranging from prehistoric to the Hellenistic period.
39.Archaeology of Palestine (Anthropology 49)
Traces the prehistory of Palestine (modern Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan) from its beginnings in the Paleolithic to the end of the Byzantine period. Surveys history of archaeological research in this area, emphasizing significant excavations and their artifacts. Develops an understanding of the art, architecture, and modes of life of humankind from age to age, the changes introduced from one period to another, and causes and effects of those changes. K. M. Galor.
41.Mediterranean Bronze Age† (Classics 55)
The Bronze Age of Crete and Greece studied in relation to foreign influence and internal development. The following topics receive particular attention: the coming of the Greeks, the decipherment of the Linear B script, the stratigraphy of the Palace of Knossos, and the dissolution of the Mycenaean kingdoms.
42.Greek Art and Architecture† (Classics 34, Classics 58, History of Art and Architecture 23)
All media are discussed and, while the emphasis of the course is on a different period each year, a comprehensive introduction to the entire history of Greek art, architecture, and archaeology is always provided. No prior background is required.
45.Archaeology of Jerusalem (Judaic Studies 45)
Examines the archaeology of the city of Jerusalem from David’s conquest in ca. 1000 B.C.E. through the Crusaders’ defeat in 1187 A.D. The contemporary literary sources, as well as the more recent scholarly debates and discoveries, help us understand the material remains of the relevant periods. K. M. Galor.
52.Roman Art and Architecture (History of Art and Architecture 52)
An introduction to the Roman major monuments in Roman art at the point when the Empire emerged up to the time of the creation of the Pantheon. No prior background required.
60.Introduction to Islamic Archaeology (Anthropology 55, History of Art and Architecture 48, Religious Studies 60)
This course will survey the archaeology of the regions under the political authority of Muslim states from the seventh century AD until the rise of the Ottoman Empire. We will examine Muslim societies through the archaeological record of their cities, monuments and artifacts. We will consider both the “core” Islamic lands of the Middle East and its “periphery” such as Muslim Spain, sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia and the Indian sub-continent.
77.Food and Drink in Classical Antiquity (Ancient Studies 112, Classics 77)
Everybody eats - but patterns of eating (and drinking) vary dramatically from culture to culture. This course traces the mechanics of food production and consumption in the ancient Mediterranean world, considers how diet marked symbolic boundaries, gender differences, and in general explores the extent to which the ancient Greeks and Romans “were what they ate.” S. E. Alcock.
80.Alexander the Great and the Alexander Tradition
This course focuses on a single historical figure, Alexander the Great, using him as a point of departure for exploring a wide range of problems and approaches that typify the field of Classical Studies. How knowledge of Alexander has been used and abused provides a fascinating case study in the formation and continuous reinterpretation of the western Classical tradition. J. F. Cherry
For Undergraduates and Graduates
115.Urbanism in the Archaeological Record† (Anthropology 152, Urban Studies 115)
Investigates urbanism in pre-industrial societies, contrasting several archaeological regions during different time periods. Discusses factors influencing evolution of and approaches to urbanism. Focuses on regions/ancient sites in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, the Aegean, Syria, Europe, China, and pre-Hispanic Mexico. Discusses their spatial organization, physical planning, and socio-economic complexities. Prerequisite: One from among AE 36, 37, 38, 39, EG 143, 144. Enrollment limited. Written permission required.
116.Archaeology Collections Policies† (Anthropology 162)
Studies ancient objects in collections from historical, functional, material, and aesthetic angles to understand their original cultural context. Uses case studies to demonstrate changing theory, practice, and legal and ethical implications of museum and dealer acquisition. (Previous experience with Archaeology, Anthropology, Classics, and/or Art History required).
120.Topics in Old World Archaeology and Art
Arabia and the Arabs: The Making of an Ethnos (Anthropology 165)
This course will survey the archaeology and history of the Arabs and Arabia from before their emergence in the historical record to the modern period. Our particular focus concerns their relationship with the rise of Islam as well as the imperial politics of the pre-Islamic Near East. A major issue that frames these inquires is the concept of ethnicity and its projection into the past. Enrollment limited. Written permission required.
City and the Festival: Cult Practices and Architectural Production in the Ancient Near East (History of Art and Architecture 120)
This course will explore urbanization, formation of urban space, and architectural projects in relation to cult practices and commemorative ceremonies in the Ancient Near East. Investigating case studies from early cities of fourth millenium BC Mesopotamia to Iron Age Syria and Anatolia, we will study processes of the making of urban and extra-urban landscapes in the socio-religious context of festivals. Enrollment limited. Written permission required.
Islamic Landscapes: Cities, Frontiers, and Monuments (Anthropology 166, History of Art and Architecture 120, Religious Studies 188)
This course will examine the built environments of the Islamic Period Middle East through the growing archaeological and historical record of its cities, frontiers, and monuments. How has the landscape of this region become transformed under by its relationship with a dynamic Islamic tradition? Key issues examined are the notion of the “Islamic city”, sacred space, and the spatiality of Muslim/non-Muslim relations. Enrollment limited. Written permission required.
Material Worlds: Art and Agency in the Near East and Africa (Anthropology 167, History of Art and Architecture 120)
This course investigates technological processes of artifact production in the material culture of ancient and contemporary Near East and Africa. Archaeological and ethnographic case studies will be explored to understand the social relations behind skilled craftsmanship in architecture and “art”. Circulation of craft knowledge, cultural biography of artifacts, constitution of cultural identities and memory through material processes will be central topics. Enrollment limited. Written permission required.
Pompeii (History of Art and Architecture 120, Urban Studies 121)
Interested students should register for History of Art and Architecture 120.
Pompeii and its neighboring towns are the best examples for studying the life, art, and architecture of a Roman town. This seminar covers the works of art and the life in the town as reflected in the monuments excavated over the past 250 years. Enrollment limited. Written permission required. R. M. Winkes.
The Portrait (History of Art and Architecture 120, Classics 193)
Interested students should register for History of Art and Architecture 120.
Roman Crafts: The Study of Jewelry, Gems, Coins, Glass, and Silverplate (History of Art and Architecture 120)
Interested students should register for History of Art and Architecture 120.
Roman Iberia (Classics 193, History of Art and Architecture 120)
The archeology, art, and architecture of Iberia during the Roman presence from the Punic Wars to the beginning of the Arab conquest. The artifacts and monuments discussed will not only represent artistic production from Roman administrative expressions, but also a mixture of styles between indigenous art (such as Celtic) or expressions of syncretism or other cultural symbioses. Enrollment limited. Written permission required. R. M. Winkes.
131.Ancient Painting†
Examines selected topics in ancient painting with emphasis on the remains of ancient fresco decoration. Topics are Palaeolithic Painting, Aegean Bronze Painting, Etruscan Painting, Greek Painting of the Fifth and Fourth Centuries (text evidence), Roman Painting, Roman Painting as reflected in Mosaic.
144.Synagogues, Churches, and Mosques (Judaic Studies 144, Religious Studies 188)
Reviews the discoveries and related scholarship of ancient synagogues, churches, and mosques in ancient Palestine. Focuses on their architectural and decorational as well as their spiritual and religious characteristics, and examines how those institutions influenced each other throughout their history of development. K. M. Galor.
145.Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Judaic Studies 145, Religious Studies 188)
Examines the scholarly interpretations of the site and the scrolls. Attempts to determine the relationship between the archaeological and textual evidence. K. M. Galor.
155.Who Owns the Classical Past? (Ancient Studies 112, Classics 155) (Pending Approval)
The purpose of this course is to offer a forum for informed discussion of a variety of difficult questions about access to the classical past, and its modern-day ownership and presentation, seen primarily from the perspective of material culture (archaeology, art, museum displays, etc). J. F. Cherry.
191.Individual Study Project in Old World Archaeology and Art
Primarily for Graduates
201.Problems in Old World Archaeology
Approaches to Archaeological Survey in the Old World (Anthropology 263)
Recent decades have witnessed a marked development of interest in regional approaches to the ancient world and its landscapes. This seminar will explore the history of this development, as well as survey’s impact on the work of both ancient historians and archaeologists. Topics to be covered include survey design and methodology, and the wider implications and lessons of regional analysis. J. F. Cherry.
Archaeology and Religion: Excavating the Sacred from Prehistory to Islam (Religious Studies 203)
This course explores methodological approaches and theoretical underpinnings of scholarly (and sometimes unpopular) interpretations of the archaeological record as evidence for the religious life of past societies, considering how archaeologists have treated the analytical categories of ritual, religion, ideology, and the sacred. These discussions will be examined through Mediterranean case studies as a key region in the archaeology of religion.
Archaeology in the Information Age
Archaeology must circulate the material past in two dimensions. The right combination of image (maps, plans, photographs) and text has long defined professional archaeology. However, the current explosion of digital media has spurred profound shifts in all domains of archaeological practice and documentation. This course encourages reevaluation of archaeological media, which pertains to information technology across the humanities and sciences.
Architecture, Body, and Performance in the Ancient Near Eastern World
This seminar investigates the relationship between bodily practices, social performances, and production of space, using case studies drawn from ancient Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Syria. Employing contemporary critical theories on the body, materiality, and social practices, new theories of the making of architectural spaces and landscapes will be explored with respect to multiple geographical, historical contexts in the Ancient Near East.
Problems in Old World Archaeology: The Archaeology of Empires (Anthropology 250, Classics 207)
Interested students should register for Anthropology 250.
202.Research Seminar in Greek Art and Architecture
May be repeated for credit.
203.Research Seminar in Roman Art and Architecture
May be repeated for credit.
204.Research Seminar in Old World Archaeology
209.The Nabataeans† (Anthropology 201, Sociology 228)
Interested students should register for Anthropology 201.
214.Research Seminar in Medieval Art: Representing the Past: Archaeology through Image and Text (History of Art and Architecture 214)
Interested students should register for the appropriate section of History of Art and Architecture 214.
254.Roman, Byzantine, and Early Islamic Jerusalem (Religious Studies 254)
Jerusalem constitutes one of the most important archaeological sites connected to the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Early Islam. Early and recent studies and discoveries, as well as old and new theories, will be examined in the seminar with special emphasis on the Roman, Byzantine, and Early Islamic periods. Prerequisite: knowledge in archaeological methodology. K. M. Galor.
255.Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Religious Studies 255)
This course is structured as a seminar on the archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The site will be examined in its larger geographical, historical, and archaeological context. The goal is to become familiar with the different scholarly interpretations of the site. Prerequisites: solid background in at least one of three fields: archaeology, Judaism, and Early Christianity. K. M. Galor.
282.Special Topics in Old World Art and Archaeology
290.Individual Reading
295.Thesis Research
Individual reading for the Master’s degree.
296.Individual Reading for Dissertation
Reading leading to selection of the dissertation subject. Single credit.
297.Dissertation Research
298.Preliminary Examination Preparation
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.
299.Thesis Preparation
For graduate students who are preparing a thesis and who have met the tuition requirement and are paying a registration fee to continue active enrollment. No course credit.