Admission requirements:
a BA degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology, Egyptology, Art History, Classics or another relevant discipline
Description
Pharaonic Egypt can be studied from many different and differing perspectives. This course provides a material culture perspective to the study of Pharaonic society. In the first part of the course students are required to read some basic, general literature (to be specified) that provides them with an overview of the Archaeology of Pharaonic Egypt. In the lectures this overview will be elaborated and critically commented upon through a focus on specific themes (burial, economy, state-formation, iconology, etc.). Subsequently every participant carries out research on a topic of his/her own choosing concerning one of these themes. For this research the students are stimulated to work together in groups. The students will be asked to present and discuss their preliminary findings in class and to submit a final paper with their research results.
Learning objectives
To have knowledge of sources available for the archaeology of Pharaonic Egypt and is able to view these sources critically, with a focus on an independent chosen topic
To be able to critically assess the current research and literature on this subject and voice one’s own well argumented opinion
To be able to work together in a team on a research topic, come to a combined presentation and paper, and to be able to critically assess the different presentations of the other students
To be able to choose a research topic, find relevant literature and present this via a PowerPoint-presentation and is able to handle a stimulating discussion afterwards
To write a paper on his/her study topic, while assessing the literature critically and presenting his/her own opinion and incorporating the received feedback of the presentation
Enhanced performance in the following areas: research skills, composition skills, ability to evaluate the findings of other scholars.
Method of instruction
Lectures, literature discussion, presentation, research & final paper.
Examination
Every student is expected to actively participate, to present a short presentation of preliminary findings and to hand in a final paper on the research carried out.