A comprehensive exploration of ancient Egyptian history and culture, from state formation to the end of pharaonic rule and its integration into the modern world as Egyptomania. The course also critically examines the colonial legacy of Egyptology, outlining the importance of Egypt’s heritage to national identity and geopolitics.
Athena Title
Egypt to Egyptomania
Prerequisite
One 1000-level ENGL course or one 1000-level CLAS course or second year or higher student standing or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to outline the key social, political, and cultural developments that shaped ancient Egypt from its early state formation through its integration into the Hellenistic world.
By the end of this course, students will be able to critique the history of Egyptology as a discipline, identifying its colonial roots, major contributions, and evolving methodologies, while assessing contemporary ethical debates surrounding antiquities and cultural heritage.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how ancient Egyptian heritage has been leveraged for national identity, political discourse, and cultural diplomacy, as well as its role in international heritage debates.
By the end of this course, students will be able to produce critical analyses of historical evidence and syntheses of scholarly arguments.
By the end of this course, students will be able to compare ancient Egypt with other ancient civilizations and empires.
Topical Outline
I. The Pre- and Early Dynastic Periods and the Birth of a Civilization
II. The Old Kingdom
III. The Middle Kingdom and Regional Developments
IV. The New Kingdom: Imperial Egypt
V. Decline and Foreign Domination
VI. Religion, Rituals, and Everyday Life
VII. The Economy of Ancient Egypt
VIII. Egypt and the Outside World
IX. Art and Architecture of ancient Egypt
X. Heritage and Historiography of Egyptology
XI. Ancient Egyptian Heritage in Modern Egypt and Geopolitics
XII. Ancient Egypt in Popular Culture
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
