ANT 3530 - Writing Systems and Scribal Traditions

Credits: 3

Description: From columns of Classic Mayan glyphs and Chinese characters to strings of Greek letters and Viking runes, the world’s writing systems and scribal traditions are vast and diverse. In exploring this topic, the course examines how sounds, words, social meanings, and other properties of human languages are graphically adapted and culturally transformed into writing systems. Specific areas of focus include the historical development of writing systems, epigraphy and the decipherment of ancient languages, scribal artistry and craft, and the relationship between writing and sociopolitical power. Although surveying several writing systems and associated phenomena, the course also features an in-depth exploration of Classic Mayan writing (or another visually complex system).

General Studies: Arts and Humanities, Global Diversity

Cross Listed Course(s): LING 3090