We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
Ancient Studies Courses 2022/2023
Note: This is a preliminary and tentative list of course offerings for 2022/23 and is subject to budgetary approval and changes. Please check back on a regular basis for updates.
To make course registration easier, we have provided you with the course registration numbers (CRNs). You won’t have to search for each course one-by-one, which will save you a fair bit of time.
- Enter the CRN number of each course you wish to enrol in, in the boxes along the bottom of the course registration screen in LORIS.
First-Year Courses
- CRN: 3347
- Time: T 7:00-8:50 p.m.
- Instructor: TBD
This introductory world history course surveys a selection of ancient civilizations of Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas prior to European cultural and economic ascendancy. Among these civilizations are Han dynasty China, Classical Greece, the Roman Empire, and the early Indus valley cultures. This course looks at political and historical events and how they shaped culture, slavery, warfare, trade and commerce. Among topics that may be covered are Mexica (Aztec) human sacrifice, Chinese Terracotta warriors, the lost libraries of Timbuktu, Egyptian Pharaoh's death tombs, the conquests of Alexander the Great, and Ancient Greek cross-dressing.
- Tutorial 1
- CRN: 3348
- Time: R 2:30-3:20 p.m.
- Tutorial 2
- CRN: 3349
- Time: R 3:30-4:20 p.m.
- Tutorial 3
- CRN: 3350
- Time: R 4:30-5:20 p.m.
- Tutorial 4
- CRN: 3351
- Time: R 5:30-6:20 p.m.
- Tutorial 5
- CRN: 3352
- Time: R 6:30-7:20 p.m.
- Tutorial 6
- CRN: 3353
- Time: R 7:30-8:20 p.m.
- CRN: 3824
-
Time: M 7:00-9:50 p.m.
-
Instructor: TBD
This course traces how the concept of the hero was developed and redefined in the changing media and modes of storytelling in a selection of ancient societies that could include those of the Mediterranean Basin (e.g. the Bronze Age Near East, Archaic and Classical Greece and Rome), ancient Asian societies, and the traditions of Indigenous cultures of the Americas. In addition to examining different types of story patterns (e.g., descents to the Underworld), and heroic characters (e.g., trickster-heroes such as Odysseus), students explore how methods of transmission affected heroic narrative, and how storytelling traditions reflect some of the historical and political changes of the societies that created, transmitted and used them.
Second-Year Courses
- CRN: 3013
- Time: MW 10:00-10:50 a.m.
- Instructor: Dr. K. Feuerherm
Mesoamerica defines a region of relative historical and cultural continuity that also contain distinct ancient civilizations. This course will examine the roots of pre-conquest Mesoamerican culture and its development, with particular focus given to the Maya and Aztec civilizations. Emphasis will be placed on architecture, religion, social organization, and values.
- Tutorial 1
- CRN: 3014
- Time: W 2:30-2:50 p.m.
- Tutorial 2
- CRN: 3015
- Time: W 3:30-3:50 p.m.
- CRN: 4435
- Time: TR 1:00-2:20 pm
- Instructor: Dr. B. Chiasson
Prior to 1800 Asia was the centre and engine of the global economy and boasted the longest life spans, the largest and richest cities, and the most sophisticated and stable governments in the world. This course examines the histories of China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea and India at the height of their economic, military and cultural confidence. In addition, the course will study the major religious and political philosophies of the Asian world before significant European interaction.
- CRN: 1762
- Time: TR 2:30-3:50 p.m.
- Instructor:
A survey of Greek history from the rise of the city-state to the empire of Alexander with emphasis upon the evolution of Athenian democracy and upon movements toward unification of the Greek cities. (Cross-listed with AR225)
- CRN: 1460
- Time: TR 1:00-2:20 p.m.
- Instructor: TBD
A survey of the development of Rome from its founding to the later Roman Empire. The emphasis is upon the unification of Italy, the growth of political institutions and the expansion of the Empire. (Cross-listed with AR226)
- CRN: 4436
- Time: MW 11:30-12:50 pm
- Instructor: TBD
There's more to Egypt than mummies and pyramids. Egypt can also be seen as a cradle of civilization. This course will provide an introduction to the rich and fascinating civilization of Ancient Egypt. Topics to be addressed may include Egyptian religious beliefs, developments in medicine and mathematics, social relations, burial practices, and warfare.
- CRN: 3693
- Time: TR 1:00-2:20 pm
- Instructor: TBD
- CRN: 4440
- Time: TR4:00-5:20 pm
- Instructor: Dr. Judith Fletcher
This course explores representations of the ancient world and allusions to ancient mythic themes in cultural products since the early 20th century until the present day. Students examine films, television shows, graphic novels, comic books and cartoons, novels, children's literature, poetry, art and other media to analyze how historical moments and mythological themes of the Greco-Roman world are borrowed and adapted for contemporary sensibilities.
Third-Year Courses
- CRN: 3704
- Time: MW 1:00-12:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Dr. J. Fletcher
- CRN: 4445
- Time: TR 11:30-12:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Dr. K. Feuerherm
With the emergence of writing the mid-fourth millennium BCE, treasured tales began to be recorded and new ones composed in a variety of genres and for a number of purposes. Signature narratives from selected ancient Near Eastern cultures will be examined in light of their audiences' world view, including creation myths, legends, spells and incantations, and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Fourth-Year Courses
- CRN: 1917
- Time: R 7:00-9:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Dr. J. Fletcher
This seminar will examine the foundations of selected ancient societies across the globe. On a case-by-case basis, we will discuss such things as foundational beliefs, social structure and institutions, and value systems.
- CRN: 1509
- Time: R 7:00-9:50 p.m.
- Instructor: Dr. J. Fletcher
- Prerequisite: HI448 (offered fall 2022)
This seminar will examine the foundations of selected ancient societies across the globe. On a case-by-case basis, we will discuss such things as foundational beliefs, social structure and institutions, and value systems.
- CRN (fall): 1395
- CRN (winter): 1869
Directed study and research on a topic appropriate to the student’s specialization and chosen in consultation with the faculty supervisor. Students in the single honours History BA program who receive departmental permission to take this course must also take two 400-level seminars (either two readings seminars or one readings seminar and one research seminar). Students in the combined honours History BA program must also take a 400-level readings seminar.