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 ARCH30009
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
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

This Unit is dual taught to both 2nd & 3rd Year students (3rd Year Unit Code = ARCH30009).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to demonstrate a basic 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 background to the historical perspective on the subject, and will understand the different interpretations of the archaeological and written evidence.

Teaching Information

  • 8 x 2 hr Lectures
  • 2 x 2 hr group seminars
  • 1 x 2 hr revision session.

Assessment Information

Assessment is summative:

  • One 3000-3500 word essay 50%
  • One 2 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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