This listing contains general subject areas and overall themes from which students may choose in order to formulate the specific topics of their term papers. Topics must be approved by the instructor to receive a passing grade. All students must meet with the instructor to discuss their proposed paper topics and clear them in advance before beginning work on the paper. The instructor reserves the right to limit the number of students in the class working on any one topic or theme.
(Issues in) the Archaeology of Mesopotamia and Mesopotamian Material Culture
Babylonian or Mesopotamian Foreign Relations and Diplomatic History
Calendars, Time, and Mesopotamian Notions of Eternity
Civil and Urban Architecture in Ancient Mesopotamia
Crime and Punishment in Ancient Sumer and/or Babylonia (incl. Capital Punishment)
Cultural Legacy of Mesopotamia to the Modern World
Development of Funerary Architecture through Mesopotamian History
Development of the Assyrian Military, Military Methods, Policy and Organization through Assyrian History
Environment and the Development of Culture and History in Mesopotamia
Old Babylonia and the Kingdom of Mari (Hammurabi and Zimri Lim)
Food, Drink, Diet and Nutritional Issues in Sumer and/or Babylonia
Funerary Beliefs and Practices in Ancient Sumer and/or Babylonia
(Issues in) the Historiography of Mesopotamia and Assyriology, Methods and Directions
The Hurrians in Mesopotamia and Syria: Mitanni (Hanigalbat)
(Issues pertaining to) Lawcodes and the Conduct of Law in Sumer, Babylonia and/or Assyria
Literacy, Education, and Social Advancement
Magic and Religion in Sumer and/or Babylonia
Marriage and Divorce in Sumer and/or Babylonia
Medicine and Medical Practice, the Physician in Ancient Mesopotamia
Mesopotamian Literature and History
The Naditu-priestess: Her Role and Status in Mesopotamian Society
Representational Art in Ancient Mesopotamia
Sexuality and and Sexual Mores through Sumerian and/or Babylonian History
Slavery, Forced Labor and the Deportation of Captives in Mesopotamian Society
Standards of Morality in Sumerian and/or Babylonian Thought and Behavior
Sumerian, Babylonian or Assyrian Language and Writing: Development and Use
Trade, Commerce, and Economy (Foreign Trade, Overseas Shipping, etc.)
Women: Their Role and Status in Ancient Sumerian and/or Babylonian Society