ARH 5070 DEATH & AFTER LIFE IN ANCIENT ART
This course offers a study of images of dying, death and the afterlife, as well as art and objects created to accompany the dead into the next world, in the ancient, pre-Christian world, particularly in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Within the context of each of these four major civilizations, the course will examine the beliefs and rituals that attend death and the afterlife, as evidenced through archaeology, art, mythology and literature. We will be looking most closely at the interplay between images and beliefs. At least three field trips will be held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for lectures in the galleries. Mandatory attendance at all required field trips and writing workshops. Prerequisite: One art history class or permission of the instructor.