LFU:online

Selected insights into the history of women in three cultural areas (Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome) on the example of women in the context of the royal court and in the context of marriage. Basic notions of theoretical considerations to sex and gender.

The course provides selected and comparative insights into the lives of women in Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. After a brief introduction to the topic and to the theoretical framework (sex/gender) we focus on two main aspects: women at the royal court and marriage as a major biographical turning point in the lives of women.

Comparing women living in Neo-Assyrian palaces, Hellenistic queens and Roman imperial women we will point out similarities and differences of their life situations due to their different cultural background and lifetimes. Marriage contracts and selected literary sources offer in addition to that interesting insights into the ideas, expectations and life practice in the context of marriage in Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome.

The course is partly run in cooperation with Saana Svärd, a colleague from the University of Helsinki. The common units of the course will be held in English. The dates for the common block events will be announced in due time.

The general and theoretical introduction is offered in lecture format, in the practical part of the VU we will read and analyze together contracts and literary texts in translation.

Written exam at the end of the semester and active participation in the discussion.

Literature will be announced in the lecture.

none

It is recommended to visit simultaneously the course 645400, Didactics of History, Social and Political Studies: Aspects of Women History in Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome, by Andrea Kronberger. Registrations for both LVs will be preferred.

Online registration starts at the 2^ndof September 2013.