This course focuses on the ancient history of the Middle East prior to the rise of Christianity and Islam. In reflecting on modern agendas and assumptions that have defined a certain image of "the classical world" in distinction to that of "the ancient Near East", we take a critical approach to Mesopotamian, Anatolian, Levantine, and Persian history from the development of writing to the conquest of Alexander the Great (fourth millennium to fourth century BCE).

The origin and development of Italian architecture from the beginning of the Iron Age to the end of the Roman Empire, highlighting the development of construction techniques, materials used, the nature of the work force, principal monuments and patterns of urbanism. Focus is also placed on the imperial building programs of the Roman emperors and on the domestic architecture of Rome and its dependencies.

Journey to the edges of empire as this course explores the archaeological remains of the Roman provinces. Topics will include the relationship between the Italian core and provincial periphery, the archaeological impact of Roman colonization, and the various local responses to imperial incorporation. Underpinning these topics will be the theme of globalization - the process of interaction and integration among the many diverse populations of the Roman world. By the end of the course, students will be able to draw connections between Rome and the provinces as well as between globalization in antiquity and the modern world.

This course examines the architectural developments in the Greek world from the Neolithic and Bronze Age through to the Classical and Hellenistic periods (6000-31 BC). We look at the various types of building structures including palaces, tombs, temples, theaters, town planning, and domestic architecture, and discuss sites such as Knossos, Mycenae, Pylos, Delphi, Athens, Corinth, and Olynthos. Students will consider issues such as the manner of construction of these buildings, the contexts in which they they were commissioned, built and used, and some of the architectural problems facing the architects.

To fully explore and understand the ways that past civilizations and societies interacted with the environment, innovated, thrived or survived, we need a toolkit as diverse as the different aspects of human life. In this course, you will learn the basic principles behind the wide range of scientific techniques used to provide clues about the human past. Through a series of case studies from various times and places around the world you will gain an overview of how methods combine to reveal new insights and explore the potential, limitations and future directions for such work.

A philosophical introduction to the major works of Aristotle.

A philosophical introduction to the major works of Plato.

Topics in Greek philosophy. May be selected from the pre-Socratics, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and post-Aristotelian philosophy.

This course surveys the development of ancient Greek pottery from c. 3000 to 400 BCE, with a focus on the period 1200-400 BCE (Mycenaean-Late Classical). Topics to be addressed include stylistic and typological developments, uses of ceramics within historical settings, iconography and meaning, materials and manufacturing techniques, organization of ceramic workshops, and potters and their social status. Key goals of the course include gaining an appreciation for the great importance of pottery in establishing and verifying the foundations of chronology in Greek archaeology as well as illuminating fundamental aspects of Greek society and culture. Opportunities for hands-on experiences in UA ceramics labs and museum collections will be available.

This class explores the archaeological evidence for ritual and religion in the Greek world from the Neolithic through the Classical periods. We discuss how to identify various sacred sites and artifacts, and how to interpret evidence we believe may be from a religious context.