AAH3580 - The Middle Kingdom in Egypt: from collapse to recovery and foreign rule

Leader: Colin Hope

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit focuses upon the second major phase in Egyptian history, the Middle Kingdom, and examines its rise from the fragmentation of the First Intermediate Period, its collapse and the on-set of foreign rule in the second Intermediate Period. Within an historical framework it will review the major features and development of Egyptian culture with specific emphasis upon the changing nature of kingship, the literary achievements and the major developments in domestic and funerary archaeology. It will take a multi-disciplinary approach, focusing upon the methodologies employed in reconstructing past societies.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will have:
developed an understanding of the main features of Egyptian culture;
developed the ability to compare/contrast different types of documentation;
examined the use of a wide range of literary genres in the process of Egyptian self-definition;
gained insight into the methodologies employed to reconstruct ancient Egyptian culture;
developed the ability to undertake independent research incorporating both ancient and modern sources and employing a variety of methodological approaches, and present the results of that research in the form of both written and verbal communication;
developed their ability to work as part of a team.

Assessment

Document analysis (500 words) : 10%
Tutorial presentations (1000 words) : 25%
Essay (2500 words) : 55%
Class test (500 words) : 10%

Contact hours

2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial

Prohibitions

ARY2580