Unit information: The Ancient Egyptian World of the Dead in 2011/12

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Unit name The Ancient Egyptian World of the Dead
Unit code ARCH25012
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Professor. Dodson
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

ARCH20010
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit explores in detail a variety of aspects of Egyptian funerary archaeology, including: religious beliefs; mummification; mortuary containers; tomb architecture; tomb decoration; cemetery topography; modern study of Egyptian cemeteries and ethical issues.

Aims:

To provide students with a detailed and critical knowledge of:

  • the key elements of Egyptian funerary belief and practice during the last three millennia BC;
  • the main discoveries in this field from a historical perspective
  • differing interpretations of the available evidence ethical questions concerning the study of funerary remains

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of Egyptian funerary beliefs; the main cemeteries of Egypt; the basic structure of the typical tomb; the decorative motifs employed in the various parts of the tomb at different periods; the main elements of the furnishings of the tomb over time; the evolution of the containers for the body and the treatment of the latter to ensure its preservation. Students will also acquire a historical perspective on the subject, and will be able critically to assess different interpretations of the archaeological and written evidence.

Teaching Information

Lectures; group seminars.

Assessment Information

Assessment is summative:

  • One 2500-2750 word essay 50%
  • One 1.5 hour exam 50%

Group seminars are formative..

Reading and References

  • A. Dodson & S. Ikram, The Tomb in Ancient Egypt (London, 2008).
  • S. Ikram & A.Dodson, The Mummy in Ancient Egypt (London, 1998).
  • I.E.S. Edwards, The Pyramids of Egypt (London, 1985).
  • A. Dodson, After the Pyramids (London, 2000).
  • G.A. Reisner, The Development of Egyptian Tomb Down to the Accession of Cheops (Cambridge, MA, 1936).

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