CLAS 363 - Greece Before the Alphabet: Minoan and Mycenaean

FC ARHU CD WADV

4 credits
A course on the history, social structures, politics, religion and culture of Minoan and Mycenaean Greece from 3000-1100BCE. Students will investigate the cultures of the Greek islands and mainland in the pre-historic period, with a focus on archaeological and historical evidence. Central themes to be considered are: the cultural hegemony of Mycenean society; the development of Greek city-states; Minoan and Mycenaean religion; trade, navigation and colonization; evidence for slavery and class structures; and the eventual destruction of Mycenaean society. Students will learn to evaluate the nature of our evidence for these (largely) pre-literate societies, and the limitations of that evidence. Recommended preparation: CLAS 103.

Prerequisites: One course in CLAS or GREK.