How to exhibit “MESSO’POTAMIA” in early 21st century America? What are the substantive historical excitements of the material? What are the most yeasty theoretical and political challenges relating to U.S. museums and public discourse in a socially-contested terrain? What are the practical, aesthetic, and didactic considerations of mounting a new permanent display in a space currently being planned but not yet built? HA 306/Honors 251 is designed for undergraduates who are either performing at Honors level in their home department/school or are in the LSA Honors Program. It introduces serious and engaged students to the ancient civilizations of Iraq and neighboring western Iran in a unique way. Students will participate in the real-time collaborative design of a new installation of Mesopotamian art and archaeology for the new wing of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. The undergraduates enjoy special opportunities to work with a select number of graduate students on collaborative challenges. Based on performance and commitment, there are possibilities for summer ’08 internship work on the project. Initial illustrated lectures plus in-class discussions of readings will lay the groundwork of a common core knowledge especially viewed in relation to strengths of the Kelsey’s collections. From there, our method will become fully seminar-like. Extensive critical discussion of issues and readings will merge with practicum experience in designing installation and didactic components for the new display. Estimated cost of materials: $100 or more, but less than $150. I. 1