This class will provide an in-depth look at the rise of Mesopotamian urban civilization from 4000-2000 BC — a crucial time period that saw the rise of first cities in the Uruk period; the formation of competing urban polities and first empires in the Early Dynastic, Akkadian, and Ur III periods; the development of writing as reflected in bureaucracy and historical narratives; unprecedented technological innovations; and the creation of unparalleled works of art and visual narratives. Much of the discussion in this class will focus on materials from excavated sites in Iraq, Syria, and Iran to highlight the wealth of available data but to also discuss its limitations for modern analytical and interpretive approaches. In addition to lectures, students will actively participate through class presentations and in focused discussions of selected topics. The class will also include site visits to the Royal Ontario Museum to consult its Mesopotamian archaeological collection.