Module #1 Introduction to Ancient Inscriptions Overview of the importance of inscriptions in understanding ancient cultures and civilizations
Module #2 Types of Inscriptions Classification of inscriptions by material (stone, metal, papyrus, etc.) and function (commemorative, administrative, literary, etc.)
Module #3 Deciphering Ancient Scripts History of decipherment efforts and methods for reading ancient scripts such as Hieroglyphics, Cuneiform, and Linear B
Module #4 Epigraphy:The Study of Inscriptions Introduction to the discipline of epigraphy, its methods and tools, and its role in ancient history and archaeology
Module #5 Ancient Mesopotamian Inscriptions Cuneiform inscriptions from Sumeria, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria:language, content, and historical significance
Module #6 Egyptian Hieroglyphic Inscriptions Deciphering and interpreting hieroglyphic inscriptions on tomb walls, temple reliefs, and papyri
Module #7 Greek and Roman Epigraphy Inscriptions on coins, monuments, and public buildings:language, content, and historical significance
Module #8 Maya Hieroglyphic Inscriptions Deciphering and interpreting Maya hieroglyphs on pottery, architecture, and artifacts
Module #9 Inscriptions and Historical Reconstruction Using inscriptions to reconstruct ancient historical events, people, and cultures
Module #10 Inscriptions and Social History Inscriptions as sources for understanding ancient social structures, economies, and cultures
Module #11 Inscriptions and Religion Inscriptions as sources for understanding ancient religious beliefs, practices, and rituals
Module #12 Inscriptions and Administrative Systems Inscriptions as sources for understanding ancient administrative systems, laws, and governance
Module #13 Dating and Authenticating Inscriptions Methods for dating and authenticating inscriptions, including paleography, archaeology, and scientific analysis
Module #14 Inscriptions and Iconography Relationship between inscriptions and iconography on ancient monuments and artifacts
Module #15 Digital Epigraphy Applications of digital technology in epigraphy, including digital editing, 3D modeling, and online resources
Module #16 Case Study:The Rosetta Stone In-depth analysis of the Rosetta Stone inscription and its significance in deciphering ancient scripts
Module #17 Case Study:The Behistun Inscription In-depth analysis of the Behistun Inscription and its significance in ancient Persian history and epigraphy
Module #18 Case Study:The Maya Hieroglyphic Stairway In-depth analysis of the Hieroglyphic Stairway of Copán and its significance in Maya history and epigraphy
Module #19 Preservation and Conservation of Inscriptions Methods and challenges of preserving and conserving ancient inscriptions for future generations
Module #20 Ethics and Politics of Inscriptions Ethical and political considerations in the study and presentation of ancient inscriptions, including cultural sensitivity and repatriation
Module #21 Inscriptions in the Digital Age Impact of digital technology on the study, preservation, and dissemination of ancient inscriptions
Module #22 New Directions in Epigraphy Recent advances and future directions in epigraphy, including new methods, tools, and applications
Module #23 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Inscriptions Collaborative approaches to inscription studies, including archaeology, history, art history, and anthropology
Module #24 Inspection and Recording Techniques Practical methods for inspecting, recording, and documenting ancient inscriptions in the field and in museums
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Ancient Inscriptions and their Interpretation career