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HUM 310 The First Civilizations

The cultural foundations of the West stand on the bedrock of the ancient Near East: writing, literature, art, architecture, science, mathematics and religion reach back past Rome and Greece to Mesopotamia, Egypt and Anatolia. This course provides an introduction to the literature, history and culture of that period, c. 3100-600 B.C.

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 1, 1998 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Analyze the influence of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia on contemporary Western culture at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Distinguish important themes and aesthetic characteristics in the literature and art of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Know characteristic institutions and achievements of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Know the outlines of the political and cultural history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia' at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.