REL 274 Women's Religious Experiences in the Ancient Mediterranean World (Same as Classics 274) (Not offered 1999-2000)
How can we find out what women's lives were like in the ancient Mediterranean world? What did women contribute to ancient religions? How did participation in religious practices affect women's lives? What role did religion play in ancient Mediterranean culture? How did women relate to each other across religious differences? Placing women's lives and experiences at the center, this course will introduce you to a range of religious traditions-Greek, Roman and Egyptian religions (temple cults, festivals, and domestic worship), Judaism, and Christianity-of the ancient Mediterranean world (roughly between fifth-century B.C.E. and fourth-century C.E,). You will be expected to think critically about the concept of "religion," the diversity of ancient women's lives, and the significance of cultural and historical contexts in addressing these issues. We will work individually as well as in groups to gain familiarity with the ancient primary sources and with the methodological challenges of using them to reconstruct women's history. Discussion format and in-class group work, with occasional mini-lectures. Requirements: active and informed participation, brief weekly assignments (most 1-2 pages), one short paper (3-5 pages), responsibility for leading discussion once during the term, self-scheduled final exam. Open to all classes without prerequisite.