THIS IS A SAMPLE SYLLABUS FROM A PAST SEMESTER.
THE SYLLABUS FOR ANOTHER SEMESTER MAY BE DIFFERENT.

Introduction to Ancient Egypt

Ancient Studies 110

University of Maryland Baltimore County Department of Ancient Studies
Richard S. Mason - masonrs@umbc.edu

ANCIENT STUDIES 110 focuses on the enduring civilization of ancient Egypt. All aspects of this civilization will be explored. We'll travel from the Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to enter the Valley of the Kings, where were buried the most powerful pharaohs, as well as the "Boy King," Tutankhamen. We'll enter the villages of the workers who built and decorated the colossal temples of Egypt. We'll study the animal-headed gods and goddesses worshipped by the Egyptians. We'll see vivid scenes of daily life and wonder about the role of women in this ancient society. And we'll witness the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great and the death of Cleopatra, the last Macedonian Greek ruler of Egypt.

In the course of this survey of ancient Egyptian civilization, we'll encounter those mysterious hieroglyphs, the Egyptian "Book of the Dead," as well as ancient love lyrics to the living. We'll watch over the Roman conquest of Egypt, the advent of Christianity and the decline of that ancient Egyptian religion, the transformation of Egyptian society upon the arrival of Islam, and, finally, the opening up of Egypt to the modern world with the arrival of Napoleon's troops in 1798.

We will view the brilliant achievements of the ancient Egyptians in all the major arts, in architecture, sculpture, and painting. Throughout our exploration of this ancient civilization, we'll learn the fascinating story of the archaeologists w ho brought it all to light.

Our goal throughout is an educationally challenging, intellectually stimulating, and rewarding experience.

General Education Requirements: Arts/Humanities or Culture

General Distribution Requirements: Humanities

Texts

Hobson, Christine. The World of the Pharaohs: A Complete Guide to Ancient Egypt. Forward by Thomas J. Logan. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1987. ISBN 0-500-27560-2 New $ 19.95 Used $ 15.00

Robins, Gay. The Art of Ancient Egypt. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1997. ISBN 0-674-04660-9 New $ 39.95 Used $ 30.00