Students

AHIS1250 – Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern Archaeology

2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances

Notice

As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.

To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer and convenor
Dr Susanne Binder
Contact via via iLearn
Arts Precinct, Level 1, Office B111
make an appointment
Lecturer and convenor
Dr Linda Evans
Contact via via iLearn
Arts Precinct, Level 1, Office B120
make an appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit explores the development of ancient Egyptian culture in its Near Eastern context from the Predynastic period to the end of Late Antiquity (ca. 5000 BCE to 1000 CE) as reflected in the archaeological record. The themes studied will deal with both funerary and settlement archaeology and isolate key developments in burials, dwellings, religious buildings and objects of daily use. The unit will draw on the experience of extensive fieldwork by Macquarie University staff in Egypt and the Near East and incorporates object based learning drawing on the Egyptian antiquities collection in the Macquarie University History Museum. Students will gain a solid understanding of the geography, chronology and archaeology of the ancient Egyptian culture, which will be contextualised within developments in the wider region of the Near East, as well as an understanding of the key problems and controversial areas of interpretation as a basis for further specialised 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:

  • ULO1: Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant developments from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods.
  • ULO2: Contextualise and acquire knowledge of archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated material culture from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods from published sources.
  • ULO3: Present a clear, coherent, evidence-based description, comparison and analysis an ancient Egyptian artefact.
  • ULO4: Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating basic skills in research, the ability to write effectively, communicate orally and reflect on the learning experience.
  • ULO5: Present written work to a high standard, with appropriate use of sources and accurate referencing.

General Assessment Information

In order to pass AHIS1250, you must complete all of the assessments and have received an overall mark of at least 50.

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

All written work must be submitted by the due date on the iLearn website. Please upload your assignment to the relevant drop-box. Save your assignment as a pdf or a doc file. All assignments must include the following:

  • Student name
  • Student Number
  • Assessment Task Title or Question
  • Word count (not including the bibliography and footnotes)

Written work will be returned via iLearn, and will contain feedback from the marker. Information about how to submit work online can be accessed through the iLearn unit.

The online quizzes will be undertaken using the iLearn quiz tool. See the iLearn site for further instructions.

MARKING RUBRICS

All written assessment tasks will be graded using a rubric, which can be found on the iLearn unit site. 

RELEASE OF RESULTS

The convenors will aim to return your assignments within 3 weeks of the due date. Results can be viewed via iLearn using the Gradebook tool.

EXAMINATIONS

There is no formal examination in this unit.

FINAL MARKS

Please note with respect to the marks you receive for work during the session that the marks given are indicative only. Final marks will be determined after moderation. See further the note on Results in the Policies and Procedures section below.

EXTENSIONS AND PENALTIES

EXTENSION REQUEST PROCEDURE

The granting of extensions is subject to the University's Special Consideration Policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

LATE ASSESSMENT PENALTY

  • Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved: a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date; b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline; (c) no late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

OTHER PENALTIES FOR WRITTEN WORK

  • Written assessment tasks submitted that are under or over the word length by more than 15% will be penalised with a 5% deduction.

  • Written assessment tasks submitted without proper referencing, i.e. few or no page numbers or no bibliography, will be marked according to the Macquarie University Plagiarism Policy and the schedule of penalties, including one of the following: reduced mark for the assessment task; required resubmission with reduced maximum mark; issuance of a caution or an automatic fail.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Quiz – Modules 1-5 25% No Weeks 2, 5, 7, 9, 13
Documentation Exercise 30% No 11:59 pm Tuesday, April 6
Object Study 45% No 11:59 pm Sunday, May 9

Online Quiz – Modules 1-5

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weeks 2, 5, 7, 9, 13
Weighting: 25%

Answer a series of questions on the required weekly video lectures. Complete the quiz using the iLearn quiz tool.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant developments from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods.
  • Contextualise and acquire knowledge of archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated material culture from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods from published sources.

Documentation Exercise

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: 11:59 pm Tuesday, April 6
Weighting: 30%

A short exercise designed to ensure that students are familiar with the desired mode of presenting evidence and documenting an academic paper. Guidelines and word limit available in iLearn. Submit via Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating basic skills in research, the ability to write effectively, communicate orally and reflect on the learning experience.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with appropriate use of sources and accurate referencing.

Object Study

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 11:59 pm Sunday, May 9
Weighting: 45%

Short paper on ONE (1) ancient Egyptian artefact from the Macquarie University Museum of Ancient Cultures. Resources including MAC database entry, 3D scans and archaeological illustrations and further reading will be provided on the iLearn site. Guidelines and word limit available in iLearn. Submit via Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire knowledge of the geography, chronology and significant developments from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods.
  • Contextualise and acquire knowledge of archaeological data of Egyptian settlements, tombs, temples and associated material culture from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods from published sources.
  • Present a clear, coherent, evidence-based description, comparison and analysis an ancient Egyptian artefact.
  • Analyse and critique primary and secondary sources, illustrating basic skills in research, the ability to write effectively, communicate orally and reflect on the learning experience.
  • Present written work to a high standard, with appropriate use of sources and accurate referencing.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

KICKSTARTING AHIS1250

This unit includes a KickStart package, designed to help you get a head start with your studies. Being well prepared can be the key to success, so be sure to take advantage of KickStart and make it work for you. KickStart is a package of resources and activities in iLearn that is specific to studying this unit. Your package may include welcome videos from the Unit Convenor, quizzes (not counting toward your final grade), insights from industry experts and tips from previous students on how to succeed in the unit.

When is it available?

One week before the start of the session, log into iLearn and access the KickStart package. Please note that the activities in the KickStart package do not count towards the final grade of the unit.

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

Weekly schedule

This unit will be structured following a Flipped classroom model, which describes a reversal of traditional teaching where students gain first exposure to new material outside of class, usually via reading or lecture videos, and then class time is used to do the harder work of assimilating that knowledge through strategies such as problem-solving, discussion or debates.

This unit will be taught via a blended delivery of content and instruction using a multi-media approach such as video lectures, 3D digital artefacts in addition to accessing reliable websites as well as online databases and journals. Through this approach you will acquire detailed knowledge of the relevant subject matter, the skills to locate, utilise and critique primary and secondary sources and a strong understanding of the required research methods for the discipline.

This unit is comprised of 2 key elements:

  1. Weekly video lectures on iLearn to prepare for . . .
  2. 2 hours of instruction with staff: 1 hour Seminar via Zoom and 1 hour Tutorial (either on campus or via Zoom)
  3. and individual study and preparation
  • Students are expected to attend all classes (Seminars and Tutorials), unless there are extenuating circumstances. 
  • For Seminar and Tutorial times 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.

Information will be communicated regularly via iLearn, which will play a pivotal role throughout the session and will be your central hub for announcements, instructions, and participatory tasks. Each week will be structured as follows:

BEFORE SEMINARS | Preparation

  • Watch video lectures and take notes in preparation for the Seminar and your Module Quizzes
  • Complete short and specialised readings in preparation for the weekly Seminar and Tutorial

DURING SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS | Building Knowledge

  • Attend the Seminar and Tutorial and engage with the teaching staff and your peers.

AFTER SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS | Consolidation

  • Complete any outstanding tasks for the week and work on pending assignments
  • Engage with a series of optional exercises and extension tasks (see iLearn for details)

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

There are no required textbooks for this unit. All reading materials will be provided through the MQ library. However the following texts are recommended:

  • 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).
  • Renfrew, C. and Bahn, P., Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice (7th edition, London, 2016).
  • Schulz, R. and Seidel, M. (eds), Egypt. The World of the Pharaohs (Cologne, 2004). ** Strongly recommended.
  • Shaw, I., Ancient Egypt: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, New York, 2004). ** Strongly recommended.
  • Shaw, I. and Nicholson, P., The British Museum Dictionary of Ancient Egypt (London, 2008).
  • Tristant, Y., and Ryan, E., (eds) Death is Only the Beginning. Egyptian funerary customs at the Museum of Ancient Cultures Macquarie University (Aris and Phillips, Oxford, 2017). ** Strongly recommended.

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).

Most of these texts are available for purchase at BookTopia or similar online avenues.

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

Thematic framework for AHIS1250

Week 1               Introduction to AHIS1250

Week 2               Ancient Egyptian chronology, geography and society

Week 3               Egypt at its origins: overview of chronological developments

Week 4               Daily life: introduction to material culture and settlement archaeology

Week 5               Afterlife: introduction to burial customs and beliefs

Week 6               Old Kingdom: pyramids and tombs

Mid-semester break

Week 7               Old Kingdom: settlement archaeology and religion

Week 8               Middle Kingdom: pyramids and tombs

Week 9               Middle Kingdom: settlement archaeology and religion

Week 10            New Kingdom: daily life

Week 11            New Kingdom: temples

Week 12:           New Kingdom: tombs

Week 13            to be announced

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

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

Changes from Previous Offering

Minor changes: Updates to readings and weekly activities.


Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook