Unit information: Ancient Egypt: an introduction in 2011/12

Unit name	Ancient Egypt: an introduction
Unit code	ARCH35018
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Dodson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit provides an overview of the archaeology of Egypt, with particular focus on the Dynastic Period, c.3100-330 BC. Topics covered include historical geography; chronology; an outline of the history of the period; the history of Egyptian archaeology; language and literature; the nature of the state; art; religious life; and funerary practices.

Aim:

To provide students with a basic grounding in the civilisation of ancient Egypt during the last three millennia BC.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to describe the basic geography of Egypt, the historical, social and political structure of the period studied and the basis upon which it has been reconstructed; recognize key works of art and artistic styles; and understand the basis of Egyptian religious beliefs, in particular those associated with the afterlife and their physical manifestations.

Teaching Information

11 two-hour illustrated lectures, plus individual tutorials.

Assessment Information

Assessment is summative:

1. One 3500 word essay (50%)
2. One multiple-choice test (25%)
3. One short-answer test (25%)

Reading and References

• ALDRED, C. 1984, 1998 The Egyptians, 2nd ed; 3rd ed, rev. by A. Dodson (London: Thames & Hudson).

• BAINES, J. & J. MALEK 1980 Atlas of Ancient Egypt (New York and Oxford: Facts on File).

• DODSON, A.M. 1995. Monarchs of the Nile (London: Rubicon/Cairo; AUC Press).

• IKRAM, S. & A. DODSON 1998 The Mummy in Ancient Egypt (London: Thames & Hudson).

• REDFORD, D.B. (ed.) 2000. Oxford Encyclopaedia of Ancient Egypt (New York: Oxford University Press)