90397 - History and Culture of Ancient Mesopotamia (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will have a basic knowledge of the historical and cultural development of Mesopotamia before the Persians; will be familiar with the key issues of historiographic research in this field, its distinctive sources and methodology; will be able to place the main historical events and phenomena in their proper geographical and chronological setting; will have learnt to recognize the distinguishing cultural features of the various successive peoples and civilizations in that region over three millennia, and the points of continuity and discontinuity in time and space, as well as specific instances and degrees of cultural encounter. They will be able to describe the original features of Mesopotamian civilization as a whole, along with its cultural legacy. They will also know how to listen, understand and debate respectfully with different cultures and viewpoints, spotting the tie-ups among different disciplines.

Course contents

The course provides an introductory overview of the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia—Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians—which developed in the region of present-day Iraq between the fourth millennium BCE and the Persian conquest of 539 BCE.

Particular attention will be devoted to historical developments and to the principal aspects of Mesopotamian culture and thought, including literature, religion, ideology, and philosophy.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students (i.e., attendance of at least 12 lessons):

L. Milano (a cura di), Il Vicino Oriente antico dalle origini ad Alessandro Magno. Milano: EncycloMedia, 2022.

P. Mander, La religione dell'antica Mesopotamia. Roma: Carocci, 2009.

Students not attending classes are invited to contact the instructor in order to arrange for additional readings.

Teaching methods

Lectures and class discussions.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending students.

Oral examination aiming at verifying the student’s knowledge of the topics covered during the course and of the assigned readings. The overall evaluation will take into account attendance to classes and active participation in class discussions.

Excellent knowledge of the topics, clarity in the exposition, correct use of the terminology, and ability to formulate and develop critical and rigorous arguments are necessary to attain an excellent mark.

Students showing good knowledge of the main themes treated during the course, ability to discuss specific issues, while failing to use an appropriate terminology, will receive a good mark.

Students who do not show an adequate knowledge of the topics discussed during the course will not pass the exam.

AI can be a useful tool to support independent study by providing in-depth analysis, summaries, and self-assessment exercises. With regard to assessment, the use of AI is prohibited during in-person exams. The use of AI in any form constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Exam sessions are scheduled for the following months (for all students): April, May, June, October, November 2027; January 2028.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowrPoint presentations and other teaching materials will be provided by the instructor.

The teaching tools used during the lessons will also be available on http://virtuale.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Palmiro Notizia