Ancient Worlds

In this cluster, you will learn the 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 their 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.

  • 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 12:00-1:00 PM

Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements

Course Major Prerequisite L&S Breadth/General Requirement  
AGRS 10A Requirement for AGRS, can fulfill requirement for Political Science Arts & Literature L&S Breadth, Historical Studies L&S Breadth, Philosophy & Values L&S Breadth  
EALANG C50 East Asian Religion, Thought and Culture East Asian Religion, Thought and Culture (East Asian Humanities)  
MELC 10 N/A N/A  
       

* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration

Ancient stone ruins