AAH2990 - Egypt's golden age and its aftermath

Leader(s): Dr Christian Knoblauch

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This study entails the study of ancient Egypt throughout the New Kingdom, Dynasties 18-20, and the Third Intermediate Period, Dynasties 21-25, covering the period 1550-664 BCE. It will follow the same general themes and format as ARY2970, but will also include an introduction to the international character of Egyptian culture during the New Kingdom. It will examine the major changes that occurred following Dynasty 20 and the impact of foreign domination upon Egypt in the Third Intermediate Period.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Have gained an understanding of the characteristics and development of Egyptian culture from the end of the Middle Kingdom to the Late Period.

2. Have acquired an awareness of the limitations/extent of our knowledge of this culture; i.e., of the types of material that have survived and the variety of ways in which they are interpreted.

3. Be able to display a basic understanding of the Egyptian perception of their world.

4. Be able to display knowledge of the main sources of our textual and archaeological reconstruction of the culture.

5. Have acquired the ability to access the tertiary sources and to assess critically the current theories encountered.

6. Have developed an understanding of the nature and impact of international trade during the height of the Late Bronze Age and of the concepts of imperialism which developed during that time.

Assessment

Written work/test: 75% (3500 words)
tutorial presentation/participation: 25% (1000 words)

Contact hours

3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Archaeology or permission

Prohibitions

ARY3990