Topic varies but can include the archaeology of Mesopotamia, Syria, or Palestine, or thematic discussions (e.g., on ideology, state collapse, etc.). In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events. In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
×
Seminar: Near Eastern Archaeology AS.131.634 (01)
Topic varies but can include the archaeology of Mesopotamia, Syria, or Palestine, or thematic discussions (e.g., on ideology, state collapse, etc.). In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events. In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
Days/Times: W 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Instructor: Schwartz, Glenn M
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.615 (01)
Nomads and Empires: Water in the Ancient Near East
TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Harrower, Michael James
Fall 2025
Water and its histories reveal deep similarities and pivotal differences among human societies that are critical to understanding the human past and our future. Environments are often defined by water availability and periodicity, water is a frequent theme of religious traditions and a common point of political conflict. The hydraulic hypothesis, one of the longest-standing potential explanations for the rise of the world’s earliest civilizations, claims that organizational requirements of large-scale irrigation spawned ancient political hierarchies and cities. Archaeologists now know irrigation was not the only factor responsible for the origins of ancient states, but water management was important to agriculture in every region of ancient state formation. This course explores economic and social histories of water in the ancient Near East. It examines water’s diverse roles in ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Levantine and South Arabian agriculture, politics, ritual and religion, including water’s interconnected significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
×
Nomads and Empires: Water in the Ancient Near East AS.131.615 (01)
Water and its histories reveal deep similarities and pivotal differences among human societies that are critical to understanding the human past and our future. Environments are often defined by water availability and periodicity, water is a frequent theme of religious traditions and a common point of political conflict. The hydraulic hypothesis, one of the longest-standing potential explanations for the rise of the world’s earliest civilizations, claims that organizational requirements of large-scale irrigation spawned ancient political hierarchies and cities. Archaeologists now know irrigation was not the only factor responsible for the origins of ancient states, but water management was important to agriculture in every region of ancient state formation. This course explores economic and social histories of water in the ancient Near East. It examines water’s diverse roles in ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Levantine and South Arabian agriculture, politics, ritual and religion, including water’s interconnected significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
Instructor: Harrower, Michael James
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (03)
Readings & Research
Lauinger, Jacob
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (03)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lauinger, Jacob
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (02)
Readings & Research
Lewis, Ted
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (02)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lewis, Ted
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.664 (01)
Archaeology of Arabia
TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Harrower, Michael James
Fall 2025
This course examines the archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula from the earliest Paleolithic in the region (ca. 1.5 million years ago) through the first millennium of the Islamic era (ca. AD 1600). We will review basic geology and environmental conditions, examine the development of animal herding and crop cultivating lifeways, and study the rise of ancient complex societies and civilizations.
×
Archaeology of Arabia AS.131.664 (01)
This course examines the archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula from the earliest Paleolithic in the region (ca. 1.5 million years ago) through the first millennium of the Islamic era (ca. AD 1600). We will review basic geology and environmental conditions, examine the development of animal herding and crop cultivating lifeways, and study the rise of ancient complex societies and civilizations.
Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Harrower, Michael James
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (04)
Readings & Research
Schwartz, Glenn M
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (04)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Schwartz, Glenn M
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (07)
Readings & Research
Jasnow, Richard
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (07)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Jasnow, Richard
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (09)
Readings & Research
Feldman, Marian
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (09)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Feldman, Marian
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (10)
Readings & Research
Mandell, Alice H
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (10)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Mandell, Alice H
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (06)
Readings & Research
Delnero, Paul
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (06)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Delnero, Paul
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (05)
Readings & Research
Bryan, Betsy Morrell
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (05)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bryan, Betsy Morrell
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.800 (08)
Readings & Research
Harrower, Michael James
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (08)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Harrower, Michael James
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.132.600 (01)
Elementary Akkadian
TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Grassi Freire, Lucas
Gilman 238
Fall 2025
An introduction to the paleography, grammar and lexicon of the Akkadian language, and the reading of simpler texts in that language.
×
Elementary Akkadian AS.132.600 (01)
An introduction to the paleography, grammar and lexicon of the Akkadian language, and the reading of simpler texts in that language.
Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
Instructor: Grassi Freire, Lucas
Room: Gilman 238
Status: Open
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (10)
Dissertation Research
Feldman, Marian
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (10)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Feldman, Marian
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.132.710 (01)
Advanced Sumerian
T 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Delnero, Paul
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
We will read Letter Collection B and related materials in the original cuneiform. In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
×
Advanced Sumerian AS.132.710 (01)
We will read Letter Collection B and related materials in the original cuneiform. In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
Days/Times: T 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Instructor: Delnero, Paul
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.132.609 (01)
Research Methods: Arts of the Mesopotamian World: Crafters & Consumers
W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Feldman, Marian
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
This hybrid seminar examines in depth a series of artistic case studies over a 3000 year period in the region of what is today Iraq, Syria, and southeastern Turkey, from c, 3500-500 BCE. Discussion will focus on processes of making and contexts of using myriad forms of art and architecture. Topics will include the invention of writing and complex imagery; portraiture and ritual practice; the symbolic value of materials; visual narration; and the uses of space for expressive purposes. We will approach these and other topics through critical engagement with existing scholarship, as well as by direct study of objects in nearby museum collections.
×
Research Methods: Arts of the Mesopotamian World: Crafters & Consumers AS.132.609 (01)
This hybrid seminar examines in depth a series of artistic case studies over a 3000 year period in the region of what is today Iraq, Syria, and southeastern Turkey, from c, 3500-500 BCE. Discussion will focus on processes of making and contexts of using myriad forms of art and architecture. Topics will include the invention of writing and complex imagery; portraiture and ritual practice; the symbolic value of materials; visual narration; and the uses of space for expressive purposes. We will approach these and other topics through critical engagement with existing scholarship, as well as by direct study of objects in nearby museum collections.
Days/Times: W 1:30PM - 4:00PM
Instructor: Feldman, Marian
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): HART-ANC
AS.132.612 (01)
Advanced Akkadian
F 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Lauinger, Jacob
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
Students read texts in the original Akkadian cuneiform with attention to their philological, archaeological, historical, and literary features. The seminar topic varies from semester to semester but usually consists either of texts of various genres from a single period (e.g., Neo-Assyrian) or texts of various period from a single genre (e.g., letters). In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
×
Advanced Akkadian AS.132.612 (01)
Students read texts in the original Akkadian cuneiform with attention to their philological, archaeological, historical, and literary features. The seminar topic varies from semester to semester but usually consists either of texts of various genres from a single period (e.g., Neo-Assyrian) or texts of various period from a single genre (e.g., letters). In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
Days/Times: F 12:00PM - 2:00PM
Instructor: Lauinger, Jacob
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.133.610 (01)
Middle Egyptian Texts
Th 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Bryan, Betsy Morrell
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
In this course we read a variety of Middle Egyptian hieroglyphic compositions and documents. Knowledge of Middle Egyptian Required.
×
Middle Egyptian Texts AS.133.610 (01)
In this course we read a variety of Middle Egyptian hieroglyphic compositions and documents. Knowledge of Middle Egyptian Required.
Days/Times: Th 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Instructor: Bryan, Betsy Morrell
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 12/12
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.133.600 (01)
Introduction To Middle Egyptian
TTh 4:30PM - 5:45PM
Staff
Gilman 238
Fall 2025
Introduction to the grammar and writing system of the classical language of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom (ca. 2135-2000 B.C.). In the second semester, literary texts and royal inscriptions will be read.
×
Introduction To Middle Egyptian AS.133.600 (01)
Introduction to the grammar and writing system of the classical language of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom (ca. 2135-2000 B.C.). In the second semester, literary texts and royal inscriptions will be read.
Days/Times: TTh 4:30PM - 5:45PM
Instructor: Staff
Room: Gilman 238
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.132.800 (01)
Mesopotamian Seminar
Harrower, Michael James; Lauinger, Jacob; Schwartz, Glenn M
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
Research and discussion on topics of current interest.
×
Mesopotamian Seminar AS.132.800 (01)
Research and discussion on topics of current interest.
Days/Times:
Instructor: Harrower, Michael James; Lauinger, Jacob; Schwartz, Glenn M
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 20/20
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.133.622 (01)
Ancient Egyptian Art, A Journey Though Time II: From the New Kingdom to the Roman Period
MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Arnette, Marie-Lys
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
The course is devoted to the study of Egyptian art from the Predynastic period to the Roman era. This semester follows on from the first part of the course, given in the Spring Semester 2025: we will study works from the New Kingdom to the end of the Roman period. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of art history, with a particular focus on the evolution of style, iconography and artistic practices across time. Several thematic sessions will also be dedicated to specific aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, history, and archaeology.
The course will be primarily based on the collection of the musée du Louvre, complemented with several other key Egyptological collections, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Metropolitan Museum of The course will comprise lectures delivered by the professor, which will be structured chronologically; lectures delivered by guest lecturers; and discussion sessions with students on the mandatory readings.
×
Ancient Egyptian Art, A Journey Though Time II: From the New Kingdom to the Roman Period AS.133.622 (01)
The course is devoted to the study of Egyptian art from the Predynastic period to the Roman era. This semester follows on from the first part of the course, given in the Spring Semester 2025: we will study works from the New Kingdom to the end of the Roman period. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of art history, with a particular focus on the evolution of style, iconography and artistic practices across time. Several thematic sessions will also be dedicated to specific aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, history, and archaeology.
The course will be primarily based on the collection of the musée du Louvre, complemented with several other key Egyptological collections, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Metropolitan Museum of The course will comprise lectures delivered by the professor, which will be structured chronologically; lectures delivered by guest lecturers; and discussion sessions with students on the mandatory readings.
Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
Instructor: Arnette, Marie-Lys
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): NEAS-ARTARC
AS.131.800 (11)
Readings & Research
Arnette, Marie-Lys
Fall 2025
×
Readings & Research AS.131.800 (11)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Arnette, Marie-Lys
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.134.650 (01)
Seminar in Hebrew:
T 3:00PM - 5:30PM
Lewis, Ted
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
Translation and analysis of selected texts in Hebrew Bible giving attention to advanced features of grammar and syntax. Topic: "Archaic Biblical Poetry".
×
Seminar in Hebrew: AS.134.650 (01)
Translation and analysis of selected texts in Hebrew Bible giving attention to advanced features of grammar and syntax. Topic: "Archaic Biblical Poetry".
Days/Times: T 3:00PM - 5:30PM
Instructor: Lewis, Ted
Room: Gilman 130G
Status: Open
Seats Available: 5/5
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (01)
Dissertation Research
Bryan, Betsy Morrell
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (01)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Bryan, Betsy Morrell
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (02)
Dissertation Research
Schwartz, Glenn M
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (02)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Schwartz, Glenn M
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (04)
Dissertation Research
Delnero, Paul
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (04)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Delnero, Paul
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (09)
Dissertation Research
Mandell, Alice H
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (09)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Mandell, Alice H
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (05)
Dissertation Research
Lauinger, Jacob
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (05)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lauinger, Jacob
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (07)
Dissertation Research
Jasnow, Richard
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (07)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Jasnow, Richard
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (06)
Dissertation Research
Lewis, Ted
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (06)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Lewis, Ted
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.131.848 (08)
Dissertation Research
Harrower, Michael James
Fall 2025
×
Dissertation Research AS.131.848 (08)
Days/Times:
Instructor: Harrower, Michael James
Room:
Status: Open
Seats Available: 10/10
PosTag(s): n/a
AS.134.747 (01)
Archaic Aramaic
Th 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Lewis, Ted
Gilman 130G
Fall 2025
An advanced course in Aramaic devoted to the study of Old Aramaic inscriptions. We will be translating and analyzing a selection of texts from Northern Syria (e.g. Bar-Rakib; Hadad; Kuttamuwa, Nerab, Panamuwa, Sefire, Zakkur), Southern Syria (e.g. Bar-Hadad/Melqart Stela, Hazael, Tel Dan) and Northern Mesopotamia (e.g. Tell Fakhariyah). Students will be expected to vocalize such texts as a study in historical and comparative linguistics and to clarify their understanding of the morphology and syntax. In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.
×
Archaic Aramaic AS.134.747 (01)
An advanced course in Aramaic devoted to the study of Old Aramaic inscriptions. We will be translating and analyzing a selection of texts from Northern Syria (e.g. Bar-Rakib; Hadad; Kuttamuwa, Nerab, Panamuwa, Sefire, Zakkur), Southern Syria (e.g. Bar-Hadad/Melqart Stela, Hazael, Tel Dan) and Northern Mesopotamia (e.g. Tell Fakhariyah). Students will be expected to vocalize such texts as a study in historical and comparative linguistics and to clarify their understanding of the morphology and syntax. In addition to seminar times, students are expected to complete online discussions, supplemental readings and assignments, and attend several guest lecture events.