Assignment prompt: Ancient objects still have importance in modern times. The use, function, or meaning of those objects, however, has not always remained the same as in the past. This paper should explore the question of the changing meaning of ancient objects across their long histories. How is ancient material culture re-interpreted and re-imagined in new historical contexts, reflecting the political and ideological needs of each subsequent society? What can we learn about the the continued use of these objects in each culture?

Students will combine and revise papers 1-3 and create a single narrative and analytic history of their object. This will include additional research material, extensive editing, and transitions. Paper 4 will be graded more critically, and major revisions and improvements are expected from the previous papers in order to receive a passing grade. Previous versions of the text will be reviewed (all papers uploaded to the class website) and the final papers will be evaluated partly on their level of improvement from the first drafts.