Ancient Egypt (SP 2022)

ANCIENT EGYPT ANTH/RELS 436-500 SYLLABUS SPRING 2022 (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:55-5:10 PM) Location: ANTH, Room 130 Course Credits: 3 Shelley Wachsmann, Ph.D. Meadows Professor of Biblical Archaeology Nautical Archaeology Program, Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University Office hours: Wednesdays 3:00-5:00 PM, or by appointment Nautical Archaeology Program, Anthropology Department, Room 121 Telephone (979) 847-9257; E-mail: swachsmann@tamu.edu This course is designed to introduce the student to the environment, the archaeology and the history of ancient Egypt from earliest times to the end of the New Kingdom period. The course has the following objectives: A) to acquaint students with the rich matrix of Egyptian history and material culture, B) to integrate these physical remains into an overall humanistic understanding of the Egyptian world and how it influences modernity, C) to supply the student with the tools to evaluate archaeological discoveries and, D) to familiarize the student with the interrelationship of various sources—texts, artifacts, iconography, etc.—for interpreting and understanding the past. This course has no prerequisites. We will examine the physical environment that led to the creation of the Egyptian culture, the beginnings of Egyptology and will cover the period from earliest human settlement in Egypt to the end of the New Kingdom period. Classes will be devoted primarily to Keynote™ lectures. We will also see two video presentations. The final grade will be based on the total of grades from two mid-term tests worth 30 points each and a final examination, worth 35 points: the remaining 5 points will be based on a short (500 word/two pages double spaced) reflective essay, due the last day of class. Students must bring their own Scantron test forms and pencils to class on exam days. The second mid-term, and the final test, will include only material covered since the previous test. The second mid-term, and the final test, will include only material covered since the previous test. We will have a class devoted to a review prior to each test. Letter grades assigned will follow the standard TAMU scale: 100-90 = A, 89-80 = B, 79-70 = C, 69-60 = D, 59 and below = F. The Essay Five (5) points of your final grade will be based on a short (500 word/two pages, double spaced), but well-considered and reflective essay on the following topic: In your view, which period of pharaonic history and/or the rule of which pharaoh that we covered in this course most closely resembles the times in which we are now living in the United States of America? Give an overview together with a list of at least five (numbered) reasons for your view. The paper is due on the day of our last class meeting. Please note that I expect your paper to be typed and 2 well written: take care to produce a cogent argument and to avoid typos or grammatical errors. Textbooks and Other Resources We will be using the following textbooks: • Clayton, P. A., 1994. Chronicle of the Pharaohs: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rules and Dynasties of Ancient Egypt. London, Thames and Hudson. This book is out of print: used copies may be purchased through Abebooks.com. • Kathryn A. Bard, 2008, An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt. Oxford, Blackwell Publishing. This volume is available as an ebook and chapter pdf download from Libcat. You will need to sign in with your net ID. Go to: à https://libcat.tamu.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?searchId=418&recCount=50&recPointer=0&bibId=5671406 à Click on “Connect to the full text of this electronic book” à Download chapters 1-3 (pp. 1-65). Copies of these books are also available on reserve on the first floor of the Evans Annex. Additional readings are available online on eCampus. Please let me know if you encounter issues with these. Class Lectures Online Class lectures are available on-line as downloadable PDF files on eCampus Students should download these files and print them out (multiple slides per printed page) as a convenient aid in taking notes. These lecture files do not replace class attendance. —∞∞— Attendance Policy The university views class attendance and participation as an individual student responsibility. Students are expected to attend class and to complete all assignments. Please refer to Student Rule 7 (https://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07/) in its entirety for information about excused absences, including definitions, and related documentation and timelines. Makeup Work Policy Students will be excused from attending class on the day of a graded activity or when attendance contributes to a student’s grade for the reaons stated in Student Rule 7, or other reason deemed appropriate by the instructor. Please refer to Student Rule 7 (https://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule07/) in its entirety for information about makeup work, including definitions, and related documentation and timelines. Absences related to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 may necessitate a period of more than 30 days for make-up work, and the timeframe for make-up work should be agreed upon by the student and instructor” (Student Rule 7, Section 7.4.1). “The instructor is under no obligation to provide an opportunity for the student to make up work missed because of an unexcused absence” (Student Rule 7, Section 7.4.2). 3 Students who request an excused absence are expected to uphold the Aggie Honor Code and Student Conduct Code. See Student Rule 24.)( https://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule24/). Academic Integrity An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do. Texas A&M University students are responsible for authenticating all work submitted to an instructor. If asked, students must be able to produce proof that the item submitted is indeed the work of that student. Students must keep appropriate records at all times. The inability to authenticate one’s work, should the instructor request it, may be sufficient grounds to initiate an academic misconduct case” (Section 20.1.2.3, Student Rule 20). For more information regarding academic integrity, please visit the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web: http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Texas A&M University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. If you experience barriers to your education due to a disability or think you may have a disability, please contact the Disability Resources office on your campus (resources listed below) Disabilities may include, but are not limited to attentional, learning, mental health, sensory, physical, or chronic health conditions. All students are encouraged to discuss their disability related needs with Disability Resources and their instructors as soon as possible. Disability Resources is located in the Student Services Building or at (979) 845-1637 or visit disability.tamu.edu. Title IX and Statement on Limits to Confidentiality Texas A&M University is committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe and productive for all. University policies and federal and state laws prohibit gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 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Although Mandatory Reporters must file a report, in most instances, a person who is subjected to the alleged conduct will be able to control how the report is handled, including whether or not to pursue a formal investigation. The University’s goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and to ensure access to the resources you need. Students wishing to discuss concerns in a confidential setting are encouraged to make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services (https://caps.tamu.edu)(CAPS). Students can learn more about filing a report, accessing supportive resources, and navigating the Title 4 IX investigation and resolution process on the University’s Title IX webpage (https://www.tamug.edu/hrd/Title%20IX.html). Statement on Mental Health and Wellness Texas A&M University recognizes that mental health and wellness are critical factors that influence a student’s academic success and overall wellbeing. Students are encouraged to engage in healthy self-care by utilizing available resources and services on your campus Students who need someone to talk to can contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) or call the TAMU Helpline (979-845-2700) from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. 24-hour emergency help is also available through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-2738255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Statement on Diversity Respect for cultural and human biological diversity are core concepts of Anthropology. Anthropological research provides perspectives and data that can be used to examine many current social issues that may be appropriate to discuss in this class. Students and faculty should expect to both defend and critique diverse points of view in a respectful manner. Please respect the different experiences, beliefs and values expressed by your fellow students and instructor, and refrain from derogatory comments about other individuals, cultures, groups, or viewpoints. There is no justification for discrimination or hateful speech or behavior in any form. The Anthropology Department supports the Texas A&M University commitment to Diversity, and welcomes individuals regardless of age, background, citizenship, disability, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical location, language, military experience, political view, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and work experience (See http://diversity.tamu.edu/). COVID Syllabus Statement for Fall 2021 To help protect Aggieland and stop the spread of COVID-19, Texas A&M University urges students to be vaccinated and to wear masks in classrooms and all other academic facilities on campus, including labs. Doing so exemplifies the Aggie Core Values of respect, leadership, integrity, and selfless service by putting community concerns above individual preferences. COVID-19 vaccines and masking — regardless of vaccination status — have been shown to be safe and effective at reducing spread to others, infection, hospitalization, and death. 5 Schedule Spring 2022 Week 1 (1) Tuesday, January 18th Ø Introduction I (2) Thursday, January 20th Ø Introduction II Week 2 (3) Tuesday, January 25th Ø Video Presentation: Napoleon’s Obsession: Quest for Egypt (4) Thursday, January 27th Ø The Environmental Background I Week 3 (5) Tuesday, February 1st Ø The Environmental Background II (6) Thursday, February 3rd Ø The Environmental Background III Week 4 (7) Tuesday, February 8th Ø Predynastic Egypt (8) Thursday, February 10th Ø Review & Discussion Week 5 (9) Tuesday, February 15th Ø Mid-term examination #1 (30 points) (10) Thursday, February 17th Ø Understanding Hieroglyphs Week 6 (11) Tuesday, February 22nd Ø The Old Kingdom (Ist-Vth Dynasties) (12) Thursday, February 24th Ø How to Build a Pyramid Week 7 (13) Tuesday, March 1st Ø Sneferu (14) Thursday, March 3rd Ø Khufu to the Ist Intermediate Period Week 8 (15) Tuesday, March 8th Ø The Middle Kingdom (XIIth Dynasty) 16) Thursday, March 10th Ø The Second Intermediate Period (XIIIth-XVIIth Dynasties) & Introduction to the New Kingdom: The Early XVIIIth Dynasty Week 9 Spring Break 14-18 MAR 22 Week 10 17) Tuesday, March 22nd Ø Hatshepsut (18) Thursday, March 24th Ø Review & Discussion Week 11 (19) Tuesday, March 29th Ø Mid-term examination #2 (30 points) (20) Thursday, March 31st Ø Video Presentation: Mummy Tech Week 12 (21) Tuesday, April 5th Ø Thutmose III (22) Thursday, April 7th Ø Amenhotep II-Akhenaten 6 Week 13 (23) Tuesday, April 12th Ø Tutankhamun (24) Thursday, April 14th Ø Video Presentation: Voyage to Antiquity Week 14 (25) Tuesday, April 19th Ø Tutankhamun (cont’d) to the end of the XVIIIth Dynasty (26) Thursday, April 21st Ø The XIXth Dynasty & Ramses II (‘the Great’) Week 15 (27) Tuesday, April 26th Ø The XXth Dynasty (28) Thursday, April 28th Ø Summary, Review & Discussion (Hard copy of essay due in class) Final examination (35 points): Monday, MAY 9th, 1:00-3:00 PM ∞∞∞∞ For more about Egypt, see… • American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) (http://www.arce.org) (North Texas Chapter: P.O. Box 38642, Dallas, TX 57238) • Egypt Exploration Society (EES) (http://www.ees.ac.uk) • KMT: A Modern Journal of Ancient Egypt (http://www.kmtjournal.com) • Oriental Institute, University of Chicago (http://oi.uchicago.edu) Pdf files of many publications on Egyptology available for free download at (http://oi.uchicago.edu/research/pubs/catalog/egypt.html) • The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Egyptian Collection (http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections?ft=Egyptian) • Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/petrie) • The British Museum, Online Collection (http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/search.aspx) And for your general interest… THE ANCIENT WORLD ON TELEVISION AWOTV on the www: http://www.atrium-media.com/rogueclassicism/categories/awotv/ To subscribe, send a blank message to: mailto:awotv-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To unsubscribe, send a blank message to: mailto:awotv-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com EXPLORATOR: ARCHAEOLOGICAL NEWS ON THE WEB Read the latest Explorator on the web at: 7 http://www.atrium-media.com/rogueclassicism/categories/explorator Past issues of Explorator are available on the web at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Explorator/messages To subscribe to Explorator, send a blank email message to: mailto:Explorator-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To unsubscribe, send a blank email message to: mailto:Explorator-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com ∞∞∞∞