This course introduces students to the environmental history of the ancient Mediterranean world between the 8th century BC and the 7th century AD. Through a selection of local and regional case studies, students will examine the complexity and diversity of human-nature entanglements in this period. The course will also address broader questions of historical methodology in order to illuminate the historian's craft and to grapple with the problems and possibilities in the writing of ancient environmental history.

Course Requirements:

Daily reading responses, in-class discussions, and group mini-presentations. One midterm paper and one final paper.

Intended Audience:

Intended for freshmen and sophomores but appropriate for all undergraduates. No prior knowledge required, but some acquaintance with ancient Greece and Rome will be helpful.

Class Format:

Two meetings weekly comprising both lecture and in-class discussion and/or presentations.