Students

AHIS170 – Egyptian Archaeology: An Introduction

2014 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Susanne Binder
Contact via susanne.binder@mq.edu.au
W6A 537
by appointment
Unit Convenor
Yann Tristant
Contact via yann.tristant@mq.edu.au
W6A 525
Thursday 2-3pm or by appointment
Unit Convenor
Alex Woods
Contact via alex.woods@mq.edu.au
W6A 532
Wednesday 2-3pm or by appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit explores the development of ancient Egyptian civilisation from the prehistoric period to the end of the New Kingdom as reflected in the archaeological record. Settlements, temples, tombs and associated material culture are analysed to understand the daily life and religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians over 2500 years of Pharaonic history. The unit also draws on the experience of extensive fieldwork by Macquarie University staff in Egypt. Students gain a solid understanding of the geography, chronology and archaeology of ancient Egypt as a basis for further specialized study in the discipline.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Weekly quizz 30% Every week
Tutorial Paper 20% Week 6
Research Essay 30% Week 10
Preparation and Participation 20% Every week

Weekly quizz

Due: Every week
Weighting: 30%

Each weekly online quiz will be made up of 10 multiple choice questions related to the topic of the lecture and/or tutorial material discussed in the week.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Tutorial Paper

Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%

Short paper on an ancient Egyptian artefact from the Macquarie University Museum of Ancient Cultures (word limit: 1,000 words).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Research Essay

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 30%

Research Essay on a given topic. Word limit: 2,000 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Preparation and Participation

Due: Every week
Weighting: 20%

Students are required to listen to all lectures via Echo360 on iLearn (staff can access the download records on iLearn to check!), prepare the set of readings as well as attend and participate in the on-campus sessions.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Delivery and Resources

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

This unit comprises of three key elements: 2-hour lectures each week; 2 compulsory on-campus sessions; and individual study and participation.

A student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or above to complete the unit satisfactorily.

Assignments must be submitted through the iLearn website. Information about how to submit work online can be accessed through the iLearn unit.

Assignments will be returned via the ‘Assignments’ tool on the iLearn Unit site, and will contain feedback from the marker within them. The convenor will aim to return your assignments within two weeks.

There is no formal examination in this unit.

EXTENSIONS AND PENALTIES

Extensions for assignments can only be granted for medical reasons or on compassionate grounds. Without documentation (medical or counselling certificates) or prior staff approval, a penalty of 2% a day, including weekends, will be applied. If required, applications for extensions should be made to the convenor before the assignment's due date.

ON-CAMPUS SESSIONS

Students must attend both on-campus sessions to complete the unit unless there are extenuating circumstances such as illness etc. A log will be taken to record attendance. Medical certificates are required for medical absences and should be given to the unit convenor.

For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

The following textbooks are required:

  • Renfrew, C. and Bahn, P., Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice (London, 2012).
  • Schulz, R. and Seidel, M. (eds), Egypt. The World of the Pharaohs (Cologne, 2004).
  • Shaw, I., Ancient Egypt: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, New York, 2004).

These texts are available for purchase at the Co-Op bookstore. To arrange for texts to be sent to you please contact the Co-Op online at the following address http://www.coop-bookshop.com.au.

Recommended Texts:

  • Baines J. and Malek, J., Cultural Atlas of Ancient Egypt (New York, 2000, rev. edition).
  • Cullen, J., How to Read, Write, and Think about History (Malden, Oxford ,2013).
  • Shaw, I. and Nicholson, P., The British Museum Dictionary of Ancient Egypt (London, 2008).
  • Wilkinson, R.H. (ed.), Egyptology Today (Cambridge, New York, 2008).

Other recommended books:

All booklets from the Shire Egyptology Series, such as:

  • Hall, R., Egyptian textiles (Aylesbury, 1989).
  • Hope, C., Egyptian Pottery (Aylesbury, 2001).
  • Nicholson, P., Egyptian Faience and Glass (Buckinghamshire, 1993).Robins, G., Egyptian Statues (Princes Risborough, 2001).
  • Stewart, H.M., Egyptian Shabtis, (Buckinghamshire, 1995).
  • Taylor, J.H., Egyptian Coffins (Aylesbury, 1989).
  • Uphill, E.P., Egyptian Towns and Cities (Aylesbury, 1988).

UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

This unit will use iLearn: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/

PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements.

Unit Schedule

 

Week Section Lecture Tutorial Assessment  
1 Section I 03/03/2014 Introduction to the subject: What is Egyptian archaeology? Online Quizz    
2 Section I 10/03/2014 Egyptian Geography and Chronology Online Quizz    
3 Section I 17/03/2014 Predynastic & Early Dynastic (1): Overview of Developments - Palaeolithic Online Quizz    
4 Section I 24/03/2014 Predynastic & Early Dynastic (2): Neolithic to Predynastic - Material Culture Online Quizz On-campus session  
5 Section I 31/03/2014 Predynastic & Early Dynastic (3): Burials Online Quizz    
6 Section II 07/04/2014 Dynasty 3-end of Middle Kingdom (1): Funerary architecture

Online Quizz

Tutorial Paper (11th April 2014)

   
      MID-SESSION BREAK      
7 Section II 28/04/2014 Dynasty 3-End of Middle Kingdom (2): Secular architecture Online Quizz    
8 Section II 05/05/2014 Dynasty 3-End of Middle Kingdom (3): Material culture Online Quizz    
9 Section II 12/05/2014 Dynasty 3-End of Middle Kingdom (4): Religious architecture Online Quizz On-campus session  
10 Section III 19/05/2014 SIP-End of New Kingdom (1): Secular architecture

Online Quizz

Research Essay (23rd May 2014)

   
11 Section III 26/05/2014 SIP-End of New Kingdom (2): Religious architecture Online Quizz    
12 Section III 02/06/2014 SIP-End of New Kingdom (3): Funerary architecture Online Quizz    
13 Section III 09/06/2014 SIP-End of New Kingdom (4): Material culture Online Quizz    

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly quizz
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Preparation and Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly quizz
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Preparation and Participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly quizz
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Preparation and Participation

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly quizz
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Preparation and Participation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly quizz
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Preparation and Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant stages of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.
  • Describe, compare and analyse an ancient Egyptian artefact dating from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Study and interpret published primary sources and archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated grave goods from the Predynastic to New Kingdom periods.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment task

  • Preparation and Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating relevant skills in research and effective written and oral communication.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with relevant footnoting and accurate bibliographies.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly quizz
  • Tutorial Paper
  • Research Essay
  • Preparation and Participation

Changes since First Published

Date Description
27/01/2014 Typos fixed in unit schedule