Introduction to northwest Semitic languages, which may include Phoenician, Punic, and inscriptional ancient Hebrew, as well as to the principles of Semitic epigraphy.

Introduction to a northwest Semitic language, such as Aramaic, Syriac, Ugaritic, Amorite, or "Canaanite" as reflected in the Amarna letters and inscriptions.

A survey of Akkadian grammar, permitting readings from Mesopotamian literature, such as the Gilgamesh Epic and the Code of Hammurabi. After a semester, students are prepared to read creation stories, imperial records from Assyria and Babylon, and manuals of astronomy, medicine and witchcraft, to explore a universe of rediscovered thought.

Readings in a body of ancient Semitic inscriptions, whether royal (annals, monuments, correspondence, treaties) or widespread (epitaphs, offerings, contracts, myths). The selection varies from semester to semester and may focus on a language, a coherent corpus, or a theme, depending on interest. Students will be directed to appropriate lexicons and grammars for the task.

Introduction to one of the written languages from Old World Bronze Age empires, for example, hieroglyphic Egyptian, Sumerian, or Hittite. Texts reflect the conduct of administration, political relations, propaganda, and religion. Study of their grammar affords primary access both to the languages as such and to these ancient cultures.

Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, synthesize, and interpret data and to present results in writing and other relevant communication formats.

Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, synthesize, and interpret data and to present results in writing and other relevant communication formats.

Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, synthesize, and interpret data and to present results in writing and other relevant communication formats.

Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, synthesize, and interpret data. Students will write or produce a thesis or other professional capstone product, such as a report or portfolio that describes their systematic and in-depth inquiry.