L&S First-Year Pathways

This cluster introduces you to philosophies, literatures, and traditions of ancient cultures and in relation to subsequent cultures. Whether interested in a major in the Arts & Humanities, or simply intrigued by life in the ancient world, you will fulfill your Arts & Literature, Philosophy & Values, and Historical Studies breadth requirements. 

Course Descriptions

• AGRS 10A: Introduction to Ancient Greece, 4 Units
  Study of the major developments, achievements, and contradictions in Greek culture from the Bronze Age to the 4th century BCE. Key works of literature, history, and philosophy (read in English translation) will be examined in their political and social context, and in relation both to other ancient Mediterranean cultures and to subsequent developments in Western civilization.
  
  
• EALANG C50 / SSEASN C52/ BUDDSTD C50*: Introduction to the Study of Buddhism, 4 Units
  This introduction to the study of Buddhism will consider materials drawn from various Buddhist traditions of Asia, from ancient times down to the present day. However, the course is not intended to be a comprehensive or systematic survey; rather than aiming at breadth, the course is designed around key themes such as ritual, image veneration, mysticism, meditation, and death. The overarching emphasis throughout the course will be on the hermeneutic difficulties attendant upon the study of religion in general, and Buddhism in particular.
  *Note: Students will be enrolled in either EALANG C50, SSEASN C52 or BUDDSTD C50 – these are all the same class, just cross-listed between three departments.
  
  
• MELC 10: Middle Eastern Worlds: Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, 4 Units
  This course introduces students to the Ancient Middle Eastern world through its languages, texts, art, and material culture. Emphasis is placed on Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia as well as their neighbors in Iran, Turkey, Arabia, and Africa. Students are introduced to techniques scholars use to study this evidence, including philology, archaeology, visual analysis, and digital humanities. Topics include urbanism, kingship, science, religion, and death. Students interact with original materials in campus and Bay Area museums. No prior coursework is required.

Meeting Schedule

• AGRS 10A: TR 8:00-9:30 AM; Discussion R 5:00-6:00PM
• EALANG C50: MWF 10:00-11:00 AM; Discussion R 1:00-2:00 PM
• MELC 10: TR 12:30-2:00 PM; Discussion W 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements