Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.130.202

Ancient Mythology

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.67)

This course explores the mythology of the ancient Near East from the invention of writing in Sumer in 3000 B.C. until the conquest of Alexander the Great near the end of the first millennium B.C. Mythological texts from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, the Levant, and the Bible will be read from a comparative perspective. Special attention is paid to the origin and development of the epic, culminating in the great Epic of Gilgamesh, but considerable time is also given to the vast mythological and historical literature, and such diverse genres as love poetry, proverbs, humorous dialogues, Omens, and legal and medical texts. All readings are in English translation.

Spring 2015

Professor: Paul DelNero

(4.67)

The best part about this course was that the professor taught engaging, dynamic and interesting lectures on Mesopotamian and Biblical texts. Some students were frustrated that the course did not always keep pace with the syllabus. This course could be improved by providing students with a summary of Mesopotamian history and information on Egyptian gods at the beginning of the semester. Prospective students are not required to have a background in mythology or Near East studies to do well in this course.