Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. In-depth study of the history of ancient Mesopotamia, from the earliest textual and material evidence to the end of the Ur III state circa 2000 BCE. Particular focus on rise of cities in Mesopotamia and formation of the first major unified polities, such as the kingdom of Sargon of Akkad, sometimes labeled the first empire in history. Overview of political, social, and cultural history of Mesopotamia, and engagement with primary source texts in translation to examine more personal perspectives of individuals throughout this period of history. Concurrently scheduled with course C206A. P/NP or letter grading.