Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies, BA

Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies

Program Overview

The core of the Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies major is the study of the history, culture, languages (Akkadian and Egyptian hieroglyphs), and literatures of the Ancient Near East and Egypt until the end of the ancient world (usually taken as the 5th century of the Common Era). The major uniquely offers exposure to a range of approaches: literary, philological, historical, archaeological, art historical, philosophical, and anthropological. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to identify the salient themes, styles, and social differences among the different major historical periods and cultures of the Ancient Near East and Egypt (including those of the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and Classical periods), they should have a broad knowledge of the geography of the ancient world and the many facets of Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian societies such as their development of: writing, large-scale farming, complex city states, law, organized religion, science, medicine, literature, public art, and monumental architecture.
  • Students will know the important difference and weighting between primary and secondary sources, and they should know the important difference between, and have a basic knowledge of literary (texts on cuneiform tablets or papyri) and material culture evidence (such as archaeological, inscriptional, numismatic, and art). They should also have the ability to locate, read (in English translation, if literary), understand, and critically analyze these sources.
  • Students will be able to investigate a topic and write a research paper on a topic in the Ancient Near East or Egypt that uses both primary and secondary sources and be able to present its main idea or ideas orally.

Study in Related Fields

Each student completing the Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies major is strongly advised to choose a minor, selected in consultation with and approved by the departmental advisor, in such closely related fields as classics, anthropology, art history, philosophy, world literature, history, theater, or English.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.