Pre Modern and Ancient World Studies
Course Descriptions, Spring 2009
ART 110H 01. Art History I
4 .00 credits
Chepp, Mark
Prerequisite: none.
A selective chronological survey of architecture, painting, sculpture and decorative arts from the birth of art in the Prehistoric period through its development in the Middle Ages, with an emphasis on the Western tradition.
ART 220H 1W. Italian Renaissance Art
4.00 credits
Gimenez-Berger, Alejandra - Koch Hall
Prerequisite: Art 110H or Art 120H or permission of instructor.
An examination of Renaissance painting, sculpture and architecture from the Late Gothic period (ca. 1270-1300) through the Renaissance (Early and High) and Mannerism. The artists and monuments in Florence, Rome and Venice will receive special attention, although developments in other regions in Italy will also be discussed. Emphasis will be on the departure from Medieval art and the revival of Antiquity, and art objects and monuments will be discussed in the context of individual artists, patrons and religious and historical events. Writing intensive.
Chinese 130A. Classical Chinese Poetry and Drama
4.00 credits
Wu, Jie
Prerequisite: none.
This course on traditional Chinese poetry and drama provides an introduction to its forms, major themes, and relevant conventions, with a focus on the sentiments and emotions of human beings. The sentiments of sorrow, joy, sympathy, frustration and pride are everlasting despite changes of time and space, and these sentiments are the original impetus behind poetry. How are these sentiments addressed in traditional Chinese poetry and drama? Through the study of selected texts in English translation, students will be introduced to some of the key poets and representative works in their historical and cultural context, as well as approaches to understanding and appreciating traditional Chinese poetry and drama. All readings are in English. No prior knowledge of Chinese is required, although the original Chinese texts will be occasionally provided.
EAST 290. The Silk Road
4.00 credits
Frost, Marcia J.
Prerequisite: none.
This course is an interdisciplinary exploration of the Silk Road, its participants, their cultures and their interactions with each other from the perspective of China’s role in Silk Road exchanges and the impact of Silk Road exchanges on the evolution of Chinese identity and culture. The geographical focus is on the traditional heartland of China and the territories to its west through which the trade routes passed and over which Chinese dynasties periodically exercised control. The time period spans from the Neolithic origins of Chinese culture in the 3rd millennium BCE to the early 20th century with the major focus during the height of Silk Road exchanges from the first Chinese dynasties of the 3rd century BCE through the end of the Mongol’s Yuan dynasty in the mid-14th century CE. The major actors include not only the Chinese but Indians, Persians and Sogdians, as well as the nomadic peoples of the Turkic, Mongol and other tribes inhabiting the steppe lands of inner Asia.
English 280 - British Survey I
4:00 credits
Richards, Cynthia
Prerequisite: ENGL 170H, ENGL 180A or ENGL 190A/C
In the course, we will read, discuss, and write about representative texts from the Middle Ages to the beginnings of the British novel in the eighteenth century. We will also seek to locate these texts within the historical and ideological conditions which helped to determine their meaning for their contemporary readers. The course will focus on several themes, such as the construction of the self and the relationship of literature to the state. These themes will help us organize and familiarize a diverse body of literature that can often feel quite foreign to the modern reader. Early British attitudes toward the writer, the reader, and the text can also vary from our own and we will remain attentive to how these attitudes change over the centuries. In the process, you will acquire a basic knowledge of literary terms, styles, forms, critical concepts and significant dates. Finally, we will step back from these concerns to reflect on how English is made and why it is that we read these particular works as representative. Frequent response papers, two final papers, a midterm and a final. Writing intensive.
ENGL 318A 1W. Bad Girls: From Eve to Mary (Wollstonecraft)
4.00 credits
Richards, Cynthia
Prerequisite: ENGL 200 and ENGL 280A. Non-majors must have Junior standing.
This course will primarily examine the work of women writers from the medieval period to the early nineteenth century. But the course will not be organized as a survey, but rather focus on the most common tropes by which a woman becomes a “bad girl.” I am sure you know those “tropes” already, but to remind you (and to use their less vulgar incarnations) they are: the fallen woman, the shrew, the prostitute, the coquette, and the promiscuous woman. The course will begin by looking at the original “bad girl,” Eve and will examine in detail a period of particularly virulent misogynist attacks during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, all played out through an examination of Eve’s original transgression. We will look at the feminist responses to these debates, including—I would argue—Milton’s representation of Eve in Paradise Lost. We will then go back to discuss the shrew or masculinized woman, starting with Chaucer’s Wife of Bath and Margery Kempe’s account of her spiritual life and concluding in Margaret Cavendish’s early foray into science fiction The Blazing World (1665). We will then move on to the figure of the prostitute, focusing primarily on the Restoration stage and the work of Aphra Behn. From there, we will examine the coquette or the tease, a figure of womanhood intrinsically connected—interesting enough—with the birth and development of the novel in the eighteenth century. We will conclude with the figure of the promiscuous woman, focusing primarily on the overtly feminist work of Mary Wollstonecraft and how that intersected with the complexities of her own romantic history. As a kind of coda to the class, we will look at two early nineteenth-century novels, Emma and Frankenstein, one written by a “good girl”—Jane Austen—and another written by a “bad girl”—Mary Shelley—and examine how the “bad girl” goes underground in these novels, one experiencing a happy ending and the other a very tragic one.
The course will include a midterm and final, one shorter paper (@five pages) and one researched paper (12-15 pages.) There will also be response papers along the way and the research paper will include a personal component. Writing intensive.
FREN 264 1.2. Topics in French History: L’hisroire Francaise
2.00 credits
Wilkerson, Tim
Prerequisite: FREN 112F or 200 level placement. Course meets second half of semester.
This is a content-based course that offers a general overview of continental French history from the Middle Ages to the Fifth Republic. Readings, class discussions, and examinations will be entirely in French.
HIST 105C/H 1W. Pre Modern World
4.00 credits
Raffensperger, Christian
Prerequisite: none.
Pre modern world history is fundamentally about the interconnectivity of the global system. In this class we will discuss kings, emperors, and philosophers from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas in addition to how the kingdoms and empires of the world interacted during this period. Key topics include the development of empire from Persia to China to Rome, the migrations of steppe peoples from Mongolia into Europe over the course of a thousand years, and the religious interactions (and their sometimes violent conflicts) in Eurasia and Africa that resulted in the spread of Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. In addition to discussing happenings within various kingdoms and fledgling states of the world, this class, specifically in lecture and discussion, is designed to look at how those kingdoms interacted with one another and what the consequences were—culturally, religiously, and economically. What was gained, and what lost? Writing intensive.
HIST 105C/H 2W. Pre Modern World
4.00 credits
Brooks Hedstrom, Darlene
Prerequisite: none.
This World History course will closely examine how pre-modern people regarded those who differed from themselves during the period from 3000 BCE-1400 CE. We will consider how travel, motivated by the need for conquest, conversion, and/or commerce, reveals the history of those who ventured to areas outside of their own empires. Students will be assessed on the basis of weekly quizzes, participation in class discussions and three exams. Writing intensive.
HIST 201H 1W. Medieval Eastern Europe
4.00 credits
Raffensperger, Christian
Prerequisite: none.
This class will deal with a different medieval Europe than is traditionally covered – the medieval Slavic world. The East, West, and South Slavs were involved to differing degrees in Western European affairs, but they had their own kingdoms, empires, wars, marriages, cities, etc. It is this Slavic world that will be examined in this class, particularly in the period from the ninth through the fifteenth centuries. During that time we will see pan-European interaction, transition to regionalism, and eventually into an early East-West divide based in three factors: religious division, Mongol occupation or control, and internal cohesion (or lack thereof). The history of medieval Eastern Europe, is a key part of wider European history that sets up the divisions into the more familiar Eastern and Western European worlds. Writing intensive.
History 201H 2W: The Crusades
4.00 credits
Livingstone, Amy
Prerequisite: none.
The Crusades continue to cast a long shadow over the history of the world. Recent political events have highlighted the importance of this conflict between Muslims and Christians has had on world events. This course will contextualize the Crusades in the medieval world by examining the following questions: Why did medieval people go on Crusade? What were the motives and experiences of the Crusaders? How did the Muslims view the Crusaders? How have scholars interpreted the Crusades? Students will read primary sources from the Crusades, as well as different interpretations of the Crusades, their history and their impact. Students will write a several short essays, two essay exams, as well as other shorter assignments, and make presentations. Writing intensive.
HIST 203H 2W: Fact and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code
4.00 credits
Livingstone, Amy
Prerequisite: ENGL 101E and sophomore standing.
Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, has stirred up a lot of controversy. What was so controversial? This course will examine the fact and fiction of The Da Vinci Code. Students will read primary sources and historical monographs relevant to the topics covered in the novel to determine what is “fact” and what is “fiction” in the novel. Specifically the course will examine the historical figure of Mary Magadalene, analyze the Gnostic Gospels, and understand the historical Knights Templar. The aim of the course is to help students determine what is the “real” history behind The Da Vinci Code. This course is designed to teach students the basic skills in researching and writing a history paper. As a result, class time will be devoted to discussion of writing skills and research techniques. Production of a piece of historical research relevant to The Da Vinci Code will be the main criteria for assessment. Part of this assessment, however, will be assignments key to the production of a research paper, including a paper proposal, outline, bibliography, revised proposal, etc. In addition, students will be required to write analyses of primary and secondary sources and two written exams. Writing intensive.
HIST 301 2W. Topics: The Age of Cathedrals
4.00 credits
Livingstone, Amy
Prerequisite: one course in History or permission of instructor.
One of the most enduring images of the medieval world is the cathedral. Have you ever wondered why medieval people felt compelled to create such monumental structures? How did they build cathedrals? Who built them? This course will explore the society that produced these magnificent monuments. Our discussion will begin with the art and society of the period preceding the Age of Cathedrals: the Romanesque. Key to our discussion will be the pilgrimage churches that came to cover much of France and Northern Spain. How did faith and religious practice, as well as social and economic factors, contribute to the construction of these churches? Next we will examine how the Romanesque period transformed into the age of Gothic. Again the focus will be not only the artistic and aesthetic changes, but what economic, social and political changes led to the construction of cathedrals such as Chartres, St. Denis, Notre Dame, Amiens and Rheims. Why were cathedrals designed to capture light and to seem to ascend toward heaven? How do cathedrals reflect intellectual and philosophical developments of the central Middle Ages? Finally we will consider what impact cathedrals had on medieval civilization. How do cathedrals reflect the social and cultural changes that characterized the twelfth and thirteenth centuries? Students will write three short papers, an in-depth research paper, and a synthetical essay. They will present their research to the class at the end of the semester. Writing intensive.
HIST 390 1W. Martyred Bodies in Late Antiquity
4.00 credits
Brooks Hedstrom, Darlene
Prerequisite: HIST 202C/H or permission of instructor.
Some thought of the ascetics as trained athletes who regulated their diet and daily indulgence, others thought of them as holy fools who were mad for God, and still others regarded them as intellectuals who recognized that the body held no meaning in this life. Martyred Bodies in Late Antiquity will explore the ascetic imperative that existed in the late centuries of Antiquity as the Mediterranean world moved from the practice of Hellenistic religions to the practice of Christianity. Various communities to be studied will include the Neo-Platonists, the Gnostics, the early Church Fathers and Christian monastics. The course will include a research component that explores the theme of the body within one or more of these traditions and the historiographic issues of studying late antique history. The members of the class will be prepared for weekly discussions and presentations of material. Since the class meets once a week, student participation will be a central component of the course as we discuss the sources associated with asceticism and the intellectual traditions of the late antique period. As a class, we will visit one Christian ascetic community in the Miami Valley to explore how ideas from Late Antiquity shape the religious life and history of monks and nuns today. Writing intensive.
Religion 100 R/C 01. Topic: Hinduism
4.00 credits
Glowski, Janice
Prerequisite: none.
This course explores Hinduism as a socio-religious tradition in South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan) by examining the relationship between Hindu thought, artistic traditions, ritual and social structures from about 2,5000 BCE to the present. The course also analyzes historical and modern interpretations of Hinduism, from the “Orientalists,” to Mark Twain, to post-colonial scholars, as a way of reflecting on contextual perspective and how “knowing” changes over time. Student assessment is based on group work and presentations, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams, and short writing assignments.
RELI 121 R 1W. Art of Biblical Literature
4.00 credits
Kaiser, Barbara
Prerequisite: none.
This course is intended to help readers appreciate the artistry of biblical prose and poetry. We will examine texts from the Old and New Testaments and Apocrypha, paying special attention to plot structure, word-plays, imagery, repetition, characterization, themes, parallelism and aetiology. Throughout the term, we will consider reinterpretations of biblical literature in the music, literature, and film of our own culture. Class sessions have a lecture/discussion format. There will be three or four exams and regular written responses to readings. Writing intensive.
RELI 134 R/C 01. Japanese and Chinese Religious Traditions
4.00 credits
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Prerequisite: none.
This course examines several religious traditions which have shaped East Asian civilizations. We will study the formal traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shinto; we will also consider the popular religious traditions of China and Japan. Classes include both lecture and discussion; students will be evaluated through essay exams, short papers and analysis of scripture and other texts.
RELI 200R/C 1W. Sacred Architecture/Sacred Space
4.00 credits
Glowski, Janice
Prerequisities: none.
What do Native American sweat lodges, Gothic cathedrals, Islamic mosques, Buddhist mandalas, Tibetan stupas, Hindu temples, Japanese gardens and the Kathmandu Valley have in common? They have all been referred to as "sacred space." This course discusses theoretical frameworks and categorical interpretations of sacred space by examining and comparing selected architectural forms, landscapes, and other places that have been historically important to the cultures and religious traditions that have indentified, created, recreated and appropriated them. In addition to theory and form, this course will also consider the role of experience and interpretation in the defining of sacred space. Student assessment is based on group work, oral presentations, mid-semester and final exams, and writing assignments. Writing intensive.
RELI 221 R 1W. Understanding the Old Testament
4.00 credits
Kaiser, Barbara
Prerequisite: none.
This course is designed especially for religion majors, pre-theological students, and others with a serious interest in biblical studies. We will attempt to place the Old Testament literature in its historical context, understand the theological perspectives which shape the texts, develop methods of interpretation, and simply appreciate the artistry and inspiration of the Old Testament literature. Class sessions have lecture/discussion format. Students will take three exams and write a paper. Writing intensive.
RELI 222R 1W. Understanding the New Testament
4.00 credits
Kaiser, Barbara
Prerequisite: none , but RELI 221 (OT) recommended.
This course is designed for religion majors, pre-theological students and other serious students of religion. Throughout the term we will attempt to understand the historical context of the New Testament literature, discover the religious perspectives which shape the New Testament texts, and appreciate the richness of the New Testament writings. Students will be required to read the New Testament and some non-canonical texts, write two papers, and take three or four exams. The class has a lecture/discussion format. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
RELI 241 R 01. Christian Tradition
4.00 credits
Nelson, Paul
Prerequisite: none.
Historical survey of the development of Christian thought and doctrine in the West. Students will be introduced to the work of major theologians (classical and modern) and to issues of perennial debate such as the tensions between reason and revelation, the humanity and divinity of Christ, nature and grace, justification and sanctification, spirit and structure, church and state, and differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrine. Lecture/discussion format. Midterm and final examinations. No prerequisite though students should be aware that the course requires careful reading of primary texts, many of which are quite challenging.
RELI 300R/C 1W. Topic: Tibetan Buddhism Through Art
4.00 credits
Glowski, Janice
Prerequisite: none.
This course explores Tibetan Buddhism by looking at the relationship between Tibetan Buddhist teachings, ritual, practices and artistic traditions in the Tibetan cultural regions. The course focuses primarily on the Xizang province and neighboring regions in China, but also examines the foundations of Buddhism in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) and the more recent Tibetan diaspora to the West (Europe and the United States). As visual culture, the art and architecture are examined for their role in articulating Buddhist theories and practices within historical and cultural contexts. Writing intensive.
SPAN 264 1.1W: Voces del pasado
2.00 credits
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisite: 4 semester hours of 200-level courses in Spanish.
This course gives students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the Spanish-speaking world by examining its rich cultural heritage. Through reading and writing activities, student learners will explore the complexity of the Hispanic world and how historical events have influenced human contact. The course will help students develop language skills for description and narration in the past. Writing intensive. Every year.
