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.
Combined Bachelor's/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.
Program Requirements
Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| ANEE/HSTY 107 | Introduction to the Ancient Near East and Egypt | 3 |
| Two 300-level AKKD, ANEE or HIER Courses | 6 | |
| Elective Courses: | ||
| Seven AKKD, ANEE or HIER Courses a | 21 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- a
Students who elect to complete their Disciplinary Communication course and capstone in Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies are required to complete two additional courses: ANEE 316b and ANEE 381 (total of 36 credit hours).
- b
ANEE 316 may count as one of the ANEE 300-level courses, provided the student takes their Disciplinary Communication course outside of the Department of Classics.
Departmental Honors
Departmental honors are given to students who:
- Earn the grade of A for their senior dissertation in ANEE 382 Ancient Near East & Egypt Senior Honors Thesis
- Maintain a GPA in the major of 3.5