Autumn 2026
Meeting:
MW 3:30pm - 4:50pm
SLN:
22594
Section Type:
Lecture
Joint Sections:
MELC 308 A , MELC 508 A
JOINT WITH MELC 308A: GENDER AND
SEXUALITY IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST.
EXPLORES GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN
THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST THROUGH
TEXTS, ART, AND ARTIFACTS FROM
MESOPOTAMIA, EGYPT, AND THE
LEVANT. EXAMINES HOW ANCIENT
SOCIETIES UNDERSTOOD GENDER ROLES,
IDENTITY, RELIGION, AND POWER.
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):
Course meets as MELC 308/508 and GWSS 390 (section?), 3 credits, MW 3:30-4:50
.
Priestess, merchant, ruling queen--weaver, potter, legend-writer--the women of the ancient Middle East (Egypt, Sumer, Syria, Babylon, Israel/Judah, Hatti...) were all these things. Explore the experiences of women at all levels of ancient society and how they were involved in religion, politics, and the economy.
.
From Enheduanna, writer and priestess, to the hard-working tradeswomen of Old Assyria, we'll learn about them! (Other highlights: Hatshepsut, who ruled as king of Egypt; the women of Nuzi, used as collateral by their male family members; a queen of Ugarit who really wanted a divorce; and more.) How were they viewed within their societies? How did they see themselves?
.
Sign up to engage with fun texts written by ancient women, do time travel assignments, and explore the life of someone who interests you in a final project. No prerequisites, no final exam. All readings will be posted on Canvas.
.
I haven't revised the syllabus for 2026 yet, but it will be similar to this: SYLLABUS MELC 308 Revised 2-13-25.docx
Catalog Description:
Exploration of various topics and issues relevant to the study of gender, women, and sexuality. Recommended: GWSS 200.
GE Requirements Met:
Diversity (DIV)
Social Sciences (SSc)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
May 26, 2026 - 2:43 am