1. Scope and themes of the course. This course is an introductory survey of the ancient Mediterranean (and Near East) from ca. 3000 B.C. to ca. A.D. 500, focusing on the Greek and Roman worlds. It is intended 1) to provide a broad historical overview, 2) to introduce you to the variety of historical evidence used to piece together and understand the history of the different civilizations in the region, and 3) to help you develop your analytical skills. The ancient Mediterranean is an especially fascinating region to study because of the diversity of the civilizations that emerged and developed in a relatively small geographical area. Each had its distinctive character, but vigorous cultural exchange in the region and beyond led to the assimilation, adaptation, or rejection (or a combination) by one culture of the ideas and practices of others. Thus, as we study a particular civilization, a major theme will be cultural interaction, and its consequences and implications for understanding the historical development of the various cultures living in this broad region.

The tools (evidence) of the ancient historian are wide-ranging and include literary texts, documents, artifacts, coins, art and architecture, and more. In this course, through lectures, discussion section, and written assignments you will be exposed to a number of ways in which historians approach and interpret the ancient history of the civilizations of this region.

2. Required Texts.

• R. Winks, S. Mattern-Parkes, The Ancient Mediterranean World (Oxford), available at the Coop.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh, available in a photocopied edition at the Coop.
• Course packet: available at University Duplicating Services, WEL 2.228 (next door to Waggener).

3. Lectures. There will be two weekly lectures (MW10:00-11:00). These will combine historical outline with treatments of thematic aspects and problems in the interpretation of historical evidence. In order to get the most out of the lectures you will need to have done the week's reading in advance.

4. Discussion Sections. These weekly sections are required, and informed participation in them will constitute part of your final grade. The main purpose of the discussion sections ro learn how to analyze ancient sources and discuss interpretations of them. You will receive the assignment for section one week in advance, along with study guides for the reading. You will need to bring the relevant source readings regularly to section. You will regularly hand in a written assignment most weeks. See also "Discussion Section: General Information."

5. Exams and Written Assignments. There will be one midterm exam (Mon. Oct. 17). The final exam is on Monday, Dec. 19, 9-12.

 6. Grading. Your final grade will be based on the following criteria: midterm: 35%; final: 35%; discussion section (attendance, participation, and written assignments): 30%; Consistent improvement during the semester will improve your final course grade. There will be no make-up quizzes; if you miss a quiz, you will receive an F for that quiz. Make-up exams will be arranged only in the event of documented illness or other emergencies, and you must let me know in advance of the exam. Additionally, students may make up work missed for a religious holiday if they bring documentation of the holiday fourteen days in advance. In all cases proper documentation must be provided. Disagreements about grading policy: if you disagree with a grade, you need first to wait at least one day before seeing your instructor, have read through any comments on the exam, and if you do consult with your instructor, be aware that your grade might go down as a result!

7. Q-Drops. Students must have a legitimate reason for requesting a Q-drop. I will not give Q-drops to students who have simply not kept up with the work and are unhappy with their grades.

8. Scholastic dishonesty . Scholastic dishonesty includes any kind of cheating on any assignment; if you are unsure about the exact definition you should consult the General information catalogue, Appendix , Section 11-802 (http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/gi01-02/app/appc11.html))

9. Academic disabilities. The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259 or 471-4641, or the information online at http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/ssd/index.html

10. Course website. The address for the course Webpage is ~www.utexas.edu/courses/clubmed/. It is so named not so that you think that this course is a vacation, with you relaxing and sipping cool drinks in coconut shells all semester long, but so that you remember the address easily! You will be expected to consult the course Webpage regularly. Assignments and important information, for example, changes in the schedule or reading, will be posted on it. You will find helpful study tools like maps, timelines, reading and exam guides, lecture outlines, images shown in class, and much more. So, familiarize yourself with it as soon as possible. Note: there are computers all over campus; for locations and hours, consult www.utexas.edu/computer/labs/

11. Getting in touch with us.

Professor Kallet WAG 119 Office hrs: M 1-2:30, W 1:30-3:00 and by appointment 471-4037 kallet@mail.utexas.edu

Joseph Ponczoch WAG 14C Office hrs: M W 2:00-3:30 471-2376 ponczoch@mail.utexas.edu