COURSE
OUTLINE
| Instructor: |
Dr.
Ewa Wasilewska |
| Office
hours: |
By
appointment only; please call the Department of Anthropology (581-6251)
and leave your name, phone number, and class number. email: mruczek@aol.com |
| Time: |
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. |
| Location: |
Campus
ST 104 |
| Important
dates: |
May 21, 08 - last day to drop classes
May 27, 08 - last day to register, to elect CR/NC option or to audit classes
May 30, 08 - last day to withdraw from term length classes
June 13, 08 - last day to to reverse CR/NC option |
| Required
Texts: |
Ewa
Wasilewska: Creation Stories of the Middle East. Jessica Kingsley Publishers,
2000. (Book)
This
book can be purchased at the University Bookstore, in Barnes & Noble
and on Internet.
RESERVE
(Marriott Library):
Since
the only book in English, which can be used for this course, is the one
written by the instructor, additional readings are required. These are mostly translations of the original texts, which were selected as based on their readability and closeness to the original text. They are on electronic reserve for your use instead of the reading packet, which would be too expensive. Those which could not be put on reserve for whatever reasons, are availabl in a paper copy at the Marriott Library desk. Their titles are listed below, under specific topics for each meeting.
|
| Optional
Texts: |
Ewa
Wasilewska: Creation Stories of the Middle East. Notes. 2008 (EW)
Notes
can be purchased from an instructor during the first two meetings. |
| Subject: |
This
course is designed to introduce students to creation stories of the ancient
Middle East which have influenced modern religious systems and through
them other aspects of socio-cultural systems. Each set of myths is presented
within its specific historical, socio-economic, political and cultural
context. In order to encourage students to learn how to analyze and interpret
myths of different societies, theoretical and methodological issues are
scheduled to be discussed and mostly translations of ancient texts are
used. |
| Requirements: |
UNDERGRADUATE
STUDENTS
The
final grade will be based on three take-home exams and a final paper on creation
stories of the Middle East (10-12 pages plus bibliography). Exams are especially designed for the type of material that will be covered during
class meetings. In order to pass these exams it is necessary to attend
lectures and to read the required material.
The
most important information, names, terms, definitions, etc., can be found
in the notes prepared by the instructor in order to structure the
learning process in the most effective way.
GRADUATE
STUDENTS
In
addition to the requirements listed above, graduate students are required
to write a research paper of ca. 20 pages (plus bibliography). Each topic
must be discussed with the instructor first. |
..
Meeting
# 1- May 13, 2008
Introduction
to the course. Myth: its origin and meaning.
Readings
for meetings # 1:
Book:
Introduction. Pp. 9-12.
Notes:
EW: # 1
RESERVE:
Kurtz,
Paul: UFO Mythology: The Escape to Oblivion. In "Skeptical Inquirer",
July/August 1997. Pp. 12-14.
Gardner,
Martin: Heaven's Gate: The UFO Cult of Bo and Peep. In "Skeptical Inquirer",
July/August 1997. Pp. 15-17.
Puhvel,
Jaan: Introduction. The Study of Myth. In "Comparative Mythology."
The John Hopkins University Press: 1987. Pp. 1-20.
Kirk,
G.S.: Myth, Ritual and Folktale. In "Myth, Its Meaning and Functions
in Ancient and Other Cultures." Cambridge University Press: 1973. Pp.
1-41. |
......... |
|
Meeting
# 2 - May 15, 2008
Peoples
and Cultures of the Middle East. Part 1.
Readings
for meetings # 2 &3:
Book:
Introduction. Pp. 13-17.
Notes:
EW: # 2 & 3
RESERVE:
Eickelman,
Dale F.: Anthropology, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In "The Middle
East and Central Asia." Prentice Hall: 1998. Pp. 1-26.
Soden,
Wolfram von: I. The Term "Ancient Orient" and Its Demarcation. II. The
Scene. III. Peoples and Cultures in the Ancient Orient. In "The Ancient
Orient." William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: 1994. Pp.1-30. |
........... |
|
Meeting
# 3 - May 20, 2008
| Peoples
and Cultures of the Middle East: Introduction to social geography of the
past and present. Part 2.
|
........... |
|
Meeting
# 4 - May 22, 2008
Religion:
The Non-Existent Concept. Written sources from the Middle East - a survey.
Readings
for meetings # 4:
Book:
Part I. Pp. 20-42.
Notes:
EW: # 4
RESERVE:
Kramer,
Samuel Noah: Introduction. Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4. In "History Begins at
Sumer." Doubleday Anchor Books: 1959. Pp. XVII-XXV, 1-28.
Meeks,
Dimitri & Christine Favard-Meeks: Introduction. In "Daily Life of
the Egyptian Gods." Cornell University Press: 1996. Pp. 1-10.
Faulkner,
R.O.: Introduction. In "The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead."
University of Texas Press: 1997. Pp. 11-16.
Wallace,
Howard N.: Chapter II. The Yahwistic Source and Its Oral Antecedents.
In "The Eden Narrative." Scholars Press: 1985. Pp. 29-64.
Cross,
Frank Moore: 11. The Priestly Work. In "Canaanite Myth and Hebrew Epic.
Essays in the History of the Religion of Israel." Harvard University
Press: 1973. Pp.293-325.
Oldenberg,
Hermann: Introduction. The Sources. In "The Religion of the Veda."Motilal
Banarsidass: 1988. Pp. 1-22.
Rajaram,
Navaratna S. & David Frawley: Chapters 1 & 2. In "Vedic 'Aryans'
and the Origins of Civilization." W.H. Press, Inc.: 1995.
Esposito,
John L.: The Content of Law. In "Islam. The Straight Path." Oxford
University Press. 1988. Pp. 89-95.
TAKE-HOME EXAM: to be turned in on June 3, 2008 |
.......... |
|
Meeting
# 5 - May 27, 2008
Creation
of Universe: Out of Watery Order or Chaos. Part I.
Readings
for meetings # 5 & 6:
Book:
Chapter 5. Pp. 44-74.
Notes:
EW: #5 & 6
RESERVE:
Foster,
Benjamin R., tr.: Epic of Creation. In "From Distant Days. Myths, Tales,
and Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia." CDL Press: 1995. Pp. 9-51.
Ions,
Veronica: In "Egyptian Mythology." New York: Peter Bedrick
Books. 1983. Pp. 21-23.
Wilson,
John A.: The Memphite Theology of Creation. In "ANET" edited by
James E. Pritchard. Princeton University Press. 1973. Pp. 1-2.
Allen,
James P.tr.: From Papyrus Leiden I 350 (1.16). In William W. Hallo, editor,
K. Lawson Younger, Jr. Associate Editor, The Context of Scripture. Volume
I: Canonical Compositions from the Biblical World. Leiden, New York,
Kˆln: Brill. 1997. Pp. 23-26.
The
Jerusalem Bible: Reader's Edition: Genesis. 1968. Pp. 4-15.
Selections
from "The Qur'an. The First American Version." Amana Books. 1985. |
.......... |
|
Meeting
# 6 - May 29, 2008
| Creation
of Universe: Out of Watery Order or Chaos. Part II. |
.......... |
|
Meeting
# 7 - June 3, 2008
Creation
of Universe: Divine Order and Its Creators.
Readings
for meetings # 7:
Book:
Chapter 6. Pp. 75-118.
Notes:
EW: # 7
RESERVE:
Kramer,
Samuel Noah and Maier, John: Inanna and Enki: The Transfer of the
Arts of Civilization from Eridu to Erech. In "Myths of Enki, The Crafty
God. " New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1989. Pp. 57-68.
Foster,
Benjamin R.tr.: Anzu, The Bird Who Stole Destiny. In "From Distant
Days. Myths, Tales, And Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia." CDL Press.
1995. Pp. 115-131.
Matthews,
Victor H. & Don. C. Benjamin: Stories of Ishtar and Tammuz. In
"Old
Testament Parallels." Paulist Press. 1997. Pp. 305-311.
Quirke,
Stephen: Power in Heaven. In "Ancient Egyptian Religion." Dover
Publications. 1997. Pp. 21-51.
Hoffner,
Harry A.: Old Anatolian Myths. Hurrian Myths. In "Hittite Myths."
Scholars Press. 1990. Pp. 9-22, 38-62.
Curtis,
Vesta Sarkhosh: Introduction. The Gods And The Creation of The Ancient
Iranian World. In " Persian Myths." University of Texas Press. 1993.
Pp. 7-20.
Mark
S. Smith: The Story of Baal Cycle. In "The Ugaritic Baal Cycle."
E. J. Brill: 1994. Pp. XXII-XXVIII.
Meshel,
Ze'ev: Did Yahweh Have a Consort? In Biblical Archaeology Review, 1979.
March/April. Pp. 24-36. |
........... |
|
Meeting
# 8 - June 5, 2008
Creation
of Universe: Almost Divine: Chosen People.
Readings
for meetings # 8:
Book:
Chapter 7. Pp. 119-134.
Notes:
EW: # 8
RESERVE:
Foster,
Benjamin R.tr.: How Adapa Lost Immortality. Etana, the King without Heir.
In "From Distant Days. Myths, Tales, And Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia."
CDL Press. 1995. Pp. 97 -- 114.
Dalley,
Stephanie: The Epic of Gilgamesh. In Myths from Mesopotamia. Oxford,
New York: Oxford University Press. 1989. Pp. 39-153.
Silverman,
David P.: Divinity and Deities in Ancient Egypt. In Shafer, Byron E. ed.
Religion
in Ancient Egypt. Gods, Myths, and Personal Practice. Ithaca and London:
Cornell University Press. 1991. Pp. 7-87.
TAKE-HOME EXAM: to be turned in on June 17, 2008 |
.......... |
|
Meeting
# 9 - June 10, 2008
Creation
of Humankind.
Readings
for meetings # 9:
Book:
Chapters 8-10. Pp. 136-173.
Notes:
EW: # 9
RESERVE:
Lichtheim,
Miriam: Instructions. Merikare (1.35). In William W. Hallo, editor, K.
Lawson Younger, Jr. Associate Editor, The Context of Scripture. Volume
I: Canonical Compositions from the Biblical World. Leiden, New
York, Kˆln: Brill. 1997. Pp. 61-67.
Kramer,
Samuel Noah & John Maier: Enki and Ninmah: The Creation of Humankind.
In "Myths of Enki, the Crafty God." Oxford University Press.1989.
Pp. 31-37.
Kramer,
Samuel Noah & John Maier: Enki and Ninhursag: A Sumerian Paradise Myth.
In "Myths of Enki, the Crafty God." Oxford University Press. 1989.
Pp. 22-30.
Hinnells,
John R.: The Myth of Creation... In "Persian Mythology." Peter Bedrick
Books. 1985. Pp. 59-63.
Please
review "Enuma Elish, " "Genesis" and selections from the "Qur'an." |
.......... |
|
Meeting
# 10 - June 12, 2008
| Destruction
of Humankind.
Readings
for meeting # 10:
Book:
Chapter 11. Pp. 174-184.
Notes:
EW: # 10
RESERVE:
Foster,
Benjamin R. tr.: Story of the Flood. In "From Distant Days.
Myths, Tales, And Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia." CDL Press. 1995.
Pp. 53-77.
Lesko,
Leonard H. Ancient Egyptian Cosmogonies and Cosmology. In Shafer,
Byron E. ed. Religion in Ancient Egypt. Gods, Myths, and Personal Practice.
Ithaca
and London: Cornell University Press. 1991.Pp. 88-122.
Malandra,
William W.: Yima. In "An Introduction to Ancient Iranian Religion. Readings
from the Avesta and Achaemenid Religion. " Minneapolis: University
of Minnesota Press. 1983. Pp. 175-182.
Please
review "Genesis" |
.......... |
|
Meeting
# 11 - June 18, 2008
The
End.
Readings
for meeting # 11:
Book:
Part 4. Pp. 186-199.
Notes:
EW: # 11
RESERVE:
Dalley,
Stephanie: Nergal and Ereshkigal. In "Myths from Mesopotamia.."
Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press. 1989. Pp. 163-181.
Foster,
Benjamin R.tr.: When Ishtar Went to the Netherworld. In "From
Distant Days. Myths, Tales, And Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia." CDL
Press. 1995. Pp. 78-84.
Faulkner,
R.O., tr.: Spell 175. In "The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead."
University of Texas Press. 1997. Pp. 175. |
.......... |
|
TAKE-HOME EXAM: to be turned in on June 30, 2008
RESEARCH PAPER: to be turned in on August 1, 2008
 IMPORTANT!!!
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Please familiarize yourself with the University of Utah CODE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (“STUDENT CODE”) at www.admin.utah.edu/ppmanual//8/8-10.html
The following is an excerpt from this CODE explaining specific actions, which won’t be tolerated in this class.
“2. “Academic misconduct” includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one's work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information, as defined further below. It also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct.
a. “Cheating” involves the unauthorized possession or use of information, materials, notes, study aids, or other devices in any academic exercise, or the unauthorized communication with another person during such an exercise. Common examples of cheating include, but are not limited to, copying from another student's examination, submitting work for an in-class exam that has been prepared in advance, violating rules governing the administration of exams, having another person take an exam, altering one's work after the work has been returned and before resubmitting it, or violating any rules relating to academic conduct of a course or program.
b. Misrepresenting one's work includes, but is not limited to, representing material prepared by another as one's own work, or submitting the same work in more than one course without prior permission of both faculty members.
c. “Plagiarism” means the intentional unacknowledged use or incorporation of any other person's work in, or as a basis for, one's own work offered for academic consideration or credit or for public presentation. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, representing as one's own, without attribution, any other individual’s words, phrasing, ideas, sequence of ideas, information or any other mode or content of expression.
d. “Fabrication” or “falsification” includes reporting experiments or measurements or statistical analyses never performed; manipulating or altering data or other manifestations of research to achieve a desired result; falsifying or misrepresenting background information, credentials or other academically relevant information; or selective reporting, including the deliberate suppression of conflicting or unwanted data. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data and/or results.”
The following sanctions will be imposed in this class for a student engaging in academic misconduct:
1. A failing grade for the specific assignment, paper, exam, etc., without possibility to re-write it, re-take it, etc. This academic misconduct will be reported to the Chairman of the Department of Anthropology.
2. The second offense will be sanctioned with a failing grade for the whole course. In such a case, the following rule of the University of Utah CODE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES is applicable and will be followed: “If the faculty member imposes the sanction of a failing grade for the course, the faculty member shall, within ten (10) business days of imposing the sanction, notify in writing, the chair of the student’s home department and the senior vice president for academic affairs or senior vice president for health sciences, as appropriate, of the academic misconduct and the circumstances which the faculty member believes support the imposition of a failing grade.”
3. For more information concerning sanctions for academic misconduct (additional sanctions might be imposed) and your rights and procedures to appeal these sanctions please refer to the aforementioned CODE.
If you need more information and/or explanations please don’t hesitate to contact the instructor.
Ewa
Wasilewska's Home Page
|
