Entry requirements

General entry requirements and History level 1b or level 1a2, Social Studies level 1b or level 1a2, English level 2, or History 1b or 1a1+1a2, Social Studies 1b or 1a1+1a2, English 6

Learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

Egyptian history

• account for various aspects of the historical development of ancient Egypt
• evaluate different types of source material
• distinguish the different phases of Egyptian history
• account for basic historical theory and method

Egyptian art and architecture

• present basic knowledge of the art and architecture of ancient Egypt
• discuss key issues and trends in the study of ancient Egypt's art and architecture
• present an understanding of the source material of the substance
• account for basic art historical theory and method

Egyptian religion: Gods, myths and life in death

• describe the main features of the religion of ancient Egypt
• discuss funeral traditions and other religious practices over time
• present the types of source material on which our knowledge of the ancient Egyptian religion is founded
• account for basic religious historical theory and method

Egyptian texts and hieroglyphs

• briefly present the language history of ancient Egypt
• outline the literary history of Pharaonic Egypt
• distinguish the different text types and genres in written sources from ancient Egypt

Content

Module 1. Egyptian History 7.5 credits

After an introduction to the research history of the subject, the course presents an overview of the history of ancient Egypt from the end of prehistoric times to the Ptolemaic period. A selection of textual and archaeological sources are used during the lectures as basis for discussion.

Module 2. Egyptian Art and Architecture 7.5 credits

The module deals with the basic principles of interpreting Egyptian art and provides an overview of developments in sculpture and other types of art. The most important temples and tombs and their construction history are discussed.

Module 3. Egyptian Religion: Gods, Myths and Life in Death 7.5 credits

The module provides an introduction to the great variety of religious beliefs and thought from ancient Egypt. Topics covered includes creation stories, the essence of the gods, religious texts, afterlife conceptions, rituals, temples, the priesthood and royal ideology.

Module 4. Egyptian Texts and Hieroglyphs 7.5 credits

The module provides a basic introduction to the historical development of the ancient Egyptian language, writing system, and literature. Different genres and types of texts are discussed and a selection of ancient Egyptian texts are read in translation. The different writing materials and the importance of writing culture in society are also treated.

Instruction

The teaching takes the form of lectures, literature studies and / or seminars with written and oral student presentations. All teaching is mandatory. Not attended lectures must be compensated for with a written home assigmment. Teaching is given in English.

Assessment

Examination takes place on an ongoing basis through oral and written seminar assignments, as well as through oral exam, written on-campus exam or home assignments.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make an exception from the specified examination method and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can e.g. be informed of special pedagogical support from the university's coordinator.

Other regulations

Restriction of the right to take the course in the degree:

• A-level modules in Egyptology may not be included in the degree if they are read as corresponding independent courses.
• The course is identical to Ancient Egyptian culture and language, basic course A, 30 credits, course code 5EG500, and can not be included in the same degree.