* NELC 0040b, Earliest Literature of the Ancient World  Benjamin Foster

Selections from ancient Near Eastern literature, such as myths and epics, stories, fables, letters, magic spells, and poetry, with emphasis on themes that resonate with a modern reader: memory, entertainment, success, love, heroism, violence, suffering, redemption, devotion, faith, sexuality, anxiety, humor, wonder, cynicism, and going to school.  Enrollment limited to first-year students.   HU
MW 9am-10:15am

* NELC 0090a / HUMS 0245a, Six Global Perspectives on Evil: Murder, Law, and True Crime in History  Staff

Harem conspiracies, kings’ assassinations, self-defense killings, witch hunts, and serial murderers. The history of murder, violence, and criminal investigation is as old as humankind. In this course, we discuss how the way crime was perceived and punished has changed throughout history. From mythical accounts of murders, to real records of trials of humans, animals, and even objects accused of homicide or witchcraft, we analyze how aspects of social status or gender played a role in shaping punishment across Eastern and Western civilizations. We compare codified-law civilizations to those in which custom, social pressure, and community ethics determined correct behavior. Four historical cold cases with accompanying evidence are presented for in-class debate, and… perhaps students may be able to help solve an old mystery! At the end of the semester, we recreate historical trials using the same crime, evidence, and participants, but following the law and procedures of each one of the historical settings covered in this course. Will the verdict and sentence be any different? Friday sessions alternate between writing workshops and field trips to Yale collections. This course is part of the "Six Pretty Good Ideas" program. Enrollment limited to first-year students.   WR, HU  RP  1½ Course cr
MW 11:35am-12:50pm

* NELC 323b and NELC 3230b / CPLT 1960b / JDST 3812b / MMES 3312b, Hebrew Poetry in Muslim Spain  Peter Cole

Introduction to the Golden Age of Hebrew poetry in Muslim Andalusia from the tenth century through the twelfth. Major figures of the period and the cultural and philosophical questions they confronted. The Judeo-Arabic social context in which the poetry emerged; critical issues pertaining to the study and transmission of this literature. Readings from the works of several poets. Readings in translation. Additional readings in Hebrew available.  HU
W 3:30pm-5:20pm