ATS2351 · The archaeology of death in ancient Egypt

Overview

This unit charts the developments in Egyptian culture from 3050 BCE to 1650 BCE (the Old and Middle Kingdoms), using a wide range of material evidence and exploring modern theories to understand the processes involved. It focuses especially on how the ancient Egyptians engaged with death and how this helped shape their world view, including their expectations for the afterlife and the importance of preparing for this. We examine the phenomenon of the pyramids as the architectural manifestation of beliefs in the afterlife of the king, as well as the tombs of royal dependants and workers.

Areas of study: Archaeology and ancient history

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and describe archaeological methods and theories to used in studying the customs and practices involved in death;
2. analyse the main textual and archaeological sources for the reconstruction of Egyptian culture and critically assess the theories used to interpret them;
3. describe the main features of Egyptian culture from the emergence of a unified state to the end of the Middle Kingdom;
4. discuss elements of the ancient Egyptian world view and how this influences our interpretation of their culture and artefacts;
5. communicate findings verbally and in writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.