Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

It is recognised that the genesis of the Pharaonic state lay within the traditions which emerged within Egypt during the Predynastic Period and that the ensuing Early Dynastic Period was a transitional phase. This subject analyses the development of Egyptian culture and documents the processes which culminated in Unification. It examines Egypt's links with Nubia, the Sahara and the Levant to determine spheres of influence and impact. Modern theories of the emergence of complex society as they relate to Egypt, the impact of environmental change on this development and the techniques used to explore non-literate societies are examined.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. Developed a knowledge of the archaeological record of the Predynastic and Early Dynastic Periods.

2. Understood the complex cultural processes which led to the emergence of the unified Egyptian state.

3. Examined the impact of environmental change upon north-east Africa.

4. Developed skills in interpreting archaeological data in the light of cultural tradition reflected in later literary material from Egypt.

5. Explored current theories of the emergence of complex society in the Near East and how the Egyptian evidence might be interpreted in light of them.

6. Developed the ability to present a sustained argument drawing upon a variety of data.

7. A sophisticated grasp of the relationship between Egypt and other Near Eastern societies and the role of archaeological analysis and data in building more complete theoretical models concerning the emergence of complex societies.

Assessment

Written work: 85% (7500 words)
seminar presentation: 15%

Chief examiner(s)

Colin Hope

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week