This is an archived copy of the 2022-23 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Ancient History and Classical Civilization Courses

Ancient History and Classical Civilization: AHC

Lower-Division Courses

AHC 310. Introductory Surveys in Premodern History.

Introductory survey of premodern history with emphasis on regions outside of the ancient Mediterranean world. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

Topic 1: Introduction to the History and Culture of Spain. Same as European Studies 306 (Topic 2) and History 306N (Topic 13). The history of Spain from its beginnings in the stone age through the great social and economic upheavals of the twentieth century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic: Introduction to the History and Culture of Spain), 310 (Topic 1), European Studies 306 (Topic: Introduction to the History and Culture of Spain), 306 (Topic 2), History 306N (Topic: Introduction to the History and Culture of Spain), 306N (Topic 13).
Topic 2: Western Civilization in Medieval Times. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 307E and History 309K. Survey of medieval Europe from late antiquity to the fifteenth century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic: Western Civ in Medieval Times), 310 (Topic 2), Core Texts and Ideas 307E, 310 (Topic: Western Civ in Medieval Times), History 309K.
Topic 3: The Ancient Middle East. Same as History 306Q, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 301J, and Middle Eastern Studies 301J. Survey the history of the Middle East from the beginning of the Neolithic period (9000 BCE) through the invasion of the region by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE and into the pre-Islamic era. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic 3), History 306Q, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 301J, Middle Eastern Studies 301J.
Topic 4: The Premodern World. Same as History 301F. Survey of world history from human origins to the sixteenth century. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic: The Premodern World), 310 (Topic 4), History 301F.
Topic 5: The Medieval Millennium in Europe. Same as History 309M. Explore new conceptions of medieval Europe by examining how the social practices, ideas, and institutions of the middle ages developed through interactions with Europe's neighbors. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic 5) and History 309M may not both be counted.
Topic 6: Medieval Material Culture. Same as History 309C and Religious Studies 309C. Explore the history of medieval Europe primarily through the lens of material culture. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic: Medieval Material Culture), 310 (Topic 6), History 306N (Topic: Medieval Material Culture), 309C, Religious Studies 309C, 315 (Topic: Medieval Material Culture).

AHC 319D. The Ancient Mediterranean World.

Same as Classical Civilization 319D and History 319D. Survey of the ancient Mediterranean from ca. 3000 BC to AD 476. Focus on the development of ideas and institutions in the Greek and Roman worlds and on the active cultural exchange among the diverse civilizations of the broader region that shaped Greek and Roman history and cultural identity. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 319 (Topic 1), 319D, European Studies 301 (Topic: Ancient Mediterranean World), 306 (Topic: Ancient Mediterranean World), Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic: Ancient Mediterranean World), Classical Civilizations 319D, History 319D.

AHC 119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S. Topics in Ancient History.

This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the ancient history and classical civilization program. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

Upper-Division Courses

AHC 325. Topics in Ancient History.

Topics in the history of the Greek and Roman empires and the surrounding area. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

Topic 1: The History of Rome: The Republic. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 327D and History 321M. A survey of Roman history from the founding of Rome to the death of Julius Caesar. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 1), Core Texts and Ideas 327D, 375 (Topic: Hist of Rome: The Republic), History 321M. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 2: The History of Rome: The Empire. Same as History 321. A survey of the Roman world from Augustus to Constantine the Great. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 2), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: History of Rome: The Empire), European Studies 346 (Topic: History of Rome: The Empire), History 321. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 6: Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World. Same as History 351D. History of Asia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world from Alexander's expedition to Asia to Rome's defeat of the last of the Hellenistic monarchs at Actium (ca. 334 to 31 BC). Two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 5), 325 (Topic 6), Classical Civilizations 351D, 354D, History 351D, 354D. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 7: Archaic and Classical Greece. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic 7) and History 354E. Survey of Greek history from the emergence of the city-states to the rise of Macedonia. Two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 4), 325 (Topic 7), Classical Civilizations 354C, Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: Archaic and Classical Greece), 375 (Topic 7), History 354C, 354E. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 8: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory. Same as Classical Civilization 340 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 33), and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 42). Explores the development of complex societies in ancient Greece by studying its prehistory through archaeology. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 325 (Topic 8), Classical Civilization 340 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 340 (Topic 8), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 321 (Topic 33), Middle Eastern Studies 320 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 342 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory), 342 (Topic 42), Persian 372 (Topic: Archaeology of Greek Prehistory).
Topic 13: The Ancient Historians. Same as Classical Civilization 322D, Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 59), and Core Texts and Ideas 329. Examines the main works of ancient historiography, and provides grounding in the central issues with which these works engage. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 13), Classical Civilization 322 (Topic 13), 322D, Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 59), Core Texts and Ideas 329. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 15: Civil War in Rome. Same as Classical Civilization 348 (Topic 15). Examines the sequence of civil conflict in Rome from the struggle of the orders through the rise of Constantine the Great. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic: Civil War in Rome), 325 (Topic 15), Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Civil War in Rome), 348 (Topic 15), History 362G (Topic: Civil War in Rome).

AHC 129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S. Topics in Ancient History.

This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the ancient history and classical civilization program. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

AHC 330. Topics in Premodern History.

Topics in premodern history with emphasis on regions outside of the ancient Mediterranean world. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

Topic 1: The Dead Sea Scrolls. Same as History 364E, Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 17), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 23), and Religious Studies 353D. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 1), History 364G (Topic 3), 364E, Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 17), Middle Easterm Studies 342 (Topic 23), Religious Studies 353D. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 2: Epics and Heroes of India. Same as Asian Studies 373G, Core Texts and Ideas 344, and History 350L (Topic 54). Focus on India's classical epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, with emphasis placed on understanding the epic characters in relation to the heroic traditions of premodern India, as well as on the role of the epics in contemporary Indian political and religious culture. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 2), Asian Studies 372 (Topic 40), 373G, Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 11), 344, History 350L (Topic 54). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: Mystics, Visionaries, and Heretics in Medieval Europe. Same as History 350L (Topic 74) and Religious Studies 375S (Topic 3). Examines particular mystical and visionary experiences within the context of medieval European Christianity. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Mystics, Visionaries and Heretics in Medieval Europe), 330 (Topic 3), History 350L (Topic: Mystics, Visionaries and Heretics in Medieval Europe), 350L (Topic 74), Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Mystics, Visionaries and Heretics in Medieval Europe), 375S (Topic 3).
Topic 4: Lost Languages and Decipherment. Same as Classical Civilization 348 (Topic 21), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 37), and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 45). Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 330 (Topic 4), Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 348 (Topic 21), Linguistics 350 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 321 (Topic 37), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Lost Languages & Decipherment), 342 (Topic 45). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 5: The Crusades. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 38), History 344S, and Religious Studies 375S (Topic 8). An exploration of the religious encounters between eastern and western Christians, Christian heretics, Jews, Muslims, and polytheists; political, military, and cultural changes of the high middle ages; and the ways that crusading ideas and symbols have been reused in contemporary politics and popular culture. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: The Crusades), 330 (Topic 5), European Studies 346 (Topic: The Crusades), 346 (Topic 38), History 344S, 350L (Topic: The Crusades), Religious Studies 375S (Topic: The Crusades), 375S (Topic 8). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing
Topic 6: Machiavelli: Politics and Culture. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 330M, History 344R, and Religious Studies 357C. Through Niccolo Machiavelli's chief writings, consider the local, regional, Mediterranean, European, and global aspects of his work. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Machiavelli), 330 (Topic 6), Core Texts and Ideas 330M, 375 (Topic: Machiavelli), European Studies 346 (Topic: Machiavelli), History 344R, 350L (Topic: Machiavelli), Liberal Arts Honors 350 (Topic: Machiavelli), 351P, Religious Studies 357 (Topic: Machiavelli), 357C. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 7: Great Works In Medicine. Same as Core Texts and Ideas 373. Examine signature works in the history of medicine. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Great Works In Medicine), 330 (Topic 7), Core Texts and Ideas 373, 375 (Topic: Great Works In Medicine). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 8: Twelfth-Century Renaissance: 1050-1200. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 40), History 344G, and Religious Studies 356F. An examination of social, cultural, and intellectual developments in eleventh- and twelfth-century Europe. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Twelfth-Cent Renais: 1050-1200), 330 (Topic: 12th-Century Renais: 1050-1200), 330 (Topic 8), European Studies 346 (Topic: 12th-Century Renais: 1050-1200), 346 (Topic 40), History 344G, Religious Studies 356F, 357 (Topic: 12th-Century Renais: 1050-1200). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

AHC 378. Undergraduate Seminar in Ancient History.

Restricted to students in the Department of Classics. Lectures, discussion, reading, and research on selected topics in Greek and Roman history. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

Topic 1: Roman Law. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 1). Introduction to Roman law with close study of primary sources. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Roman Law), 378 (Topic 1), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 1).
Topic 2: Aegean Prehistory. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 2). Traces political, social, economic, and general cultural developments on Crete and the Greek mainland between roughly 2200 and 1100 BCE. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Aegean Prehistory), 378 (Topic 2), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 2), History 350L (Topic: Aegean Prehistory).
Topic 3: Writing Ancient History Today. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 3). Questions that engage ancient historians today and the methods that they use. Some background in ancient Greek history is recommended. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Writing Ancient History Today), 378 (Topic 3), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 3), History 350L (Topic: Writing Ancient History Today).
Topic 4: The Athenian Empire. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 4). Explores Athenian society, democracy, and empire from the development of Athenian hegemony in the 470s BCE through the break up of the Athenian Empire in 404 BCE. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Athenian Empire), 378 (Topic 4), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 4), History 350L (Topic: Athenian Empire).
Topic 5: Space and Place. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 5). Multidisciplinary approach to the cultural concepts of space and place using Greek and Roman literary, historical, and archaeological sources. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Space and Place), 378 (Topic 5), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic: Space and Place), 375 (Topic 5)
Topic 6: Ancient Sparta. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 6). Examines topics and problems in the social, political and economic history of the ancient city-state of Sparta. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Ancient Sparta), 378 (Topic 6), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 6).
Topic 7: Cognitive History of the Ancient World. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 7). Examines aspects of the organization of thought in the ancient world. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Cognitive Hist of Anc World), (Topic 7), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 7).
Topic 8: Herodotus, Ethnography, and Archaeology. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 8). Explore the ethnographic component of the Histories of Herodotus. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Herodotus, Ethnograph, & Arch), 378 (Topic 8), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic: Herodotus, Ethnograph, & Arch), 375 (Topic 8). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 9: Literacy, Numeracy, and Visuality. Same as Classical Civilization 375 (Topic 9). Analyze literacy, numeracy, and visuality, that is "reading" and "writing" by means of visual representations, largely by tracing the history of how modern scholars have analyzed those practices. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 378 (Topic: Literacy/Numeracy/Visuality), 378 (Topic 9), Classical Civilization 375 (Topic: Literacy/Numeracy/Visuality), 375 (Topic 9).

AHC 679H. Honors Tutorial Course.

Supervised conference course for honors candidates in ancient history and classical civilization. Three conference hours a week for two semesters. Prerequisite: For 679HA, upper-division standing and admission to the Ancient History and Classical Civilization Honors Program; for 679HB, Ancient History and Classical Civilization 679HA.

Graduate Courses

Professional Courses


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