Students

AHIS2250 – Ancient Egypt: Culture and Society

2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor & Tutor
Dr Alexandra Woods
Contact via Contact via Dialogue tool on iLearn
Arts Precinct, Level 1, Office B169
By appointment only
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above, including AHIS1250
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit studies the long-term developments of ancient Egyptian society and culture from the Predynastic to Late Antique periods (ca. 5000 BCE to 1000 CE). Informed by theory and research paradigms developed in the social and cultural sciences, the unit will identify the processes by which the ancient Egyptian culture was transformed and yet maintained its cultural identity throughout its long history. Topics to be examined include, social organisation, identity and personhood, modes of governance, the social dimensions of ancient Egyptian mortuary practices, the complexity and variability of visual culture and representation, in addition to the use and adaptive re-use of mortuary and cultic landscapes and the reception of ancient Egypt in the memory of the world.

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: Consolidate knowledge in relation to the historical processes and fundamental long term social and cultural developments in the study of ancient Egypt.
  • ULO2: Find, analyse and critique primary and secondary sources pertaining to the study of ancient Egyptian culture and society, illustrating sound skills in research, and an ability to present the information in a written and oral format.
  • ULO3: Identify the processes by which the ancient Egyptian culture transformed and yet maintained its cultural identity throughout its long history.
  • ULO4: Apply critical self reflection, acquired knowledge and documentation skills in online written and oral discussion.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit, you must complete all the assessments and have received an overall mark of at least 50.

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

All written work must be submitted through the iLearn website. Please upload your assignment to the drop-box for the relevant week. Save your assignment as a pdf or a Word file. All assignments must include the following:

  • Student name
  • Student ID
  • Assessment task or question
  • Word length (not including bibliography or footnotes)

Written work will be returned via the Turnitin tool on the iLearn unit site, and will include feedback from the marker. Information about how to submit work online can be found on the iLearn unit.

The online quizzes and final test will be undertaken using the Quiz tool on the iLearn unit site.

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

Grading decisions for each assessment task will be moderated against the set criteria and standards before task results are released.

PENALTIES

  • Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
  • Written assessment tasks submitted that are under or over the word length by more than 15% will be penalised with a 10% deduction.

  • Written assessment tasks submitted without proper referencing (e.g., no bibliography, omission of page numbers, etc), will be marked according to the Macquarie University Plagiarism Policy and the schedule of penalties.

EXTENSION REQUESTS

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Quiz 15% No 23:59 03/08 31/08 07/09 05/10 12/10 19/10 26/10 02/11/2021
Article Review 30% No 22:00 29/08/2021
Short Research Essay 40% No 22:00 03/10/2021
ePortfolio 15% No 22:00 07/11/2021

Online Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: 23:59 03/08 31/08 07/09 05/10 12/10 19/10 26/10 02/11/2021
Weighting: 15%

 

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

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the historical processes and fundamental long term social and cultural developments in the study of ancient Egypt.
  • Find, analyse and critique primary and secondary sources pertaining to the study of ancient Egyptian culture and society, illustrating sound skills in research, and an ability to present the information in a written and oral format.
  • Identify the processes by which the ancient Egyptian culture transformed and yet maintained its cultural identity throughout its long history.

Article Review

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 22:00 29/08/2021
Weighting: 30%

 

Critique and evaluate ONE (1) article/book chapter from a list of provided readings, according to a set of guided questions available on iLearn. Guidelines and word limit available in iLearn. Submit via Turnitin.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the historical processes and fundamental long term social and cultural developments in the study of ancient Egypt.
  • Find, analyse and critique primary and secondary sources pertaining to the study of ancient Egyptian culture and society, illustrating sound skills in research, and an ability to present the information in a written and oral format.
  • Identify the processes by which the ancient Egyptian culture transformed and yet maintained its cultural identity throughout its long history.

Short Research Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 22:00 03/10/2021
Weighting: 40%

 

Complete ONE (1) short research essay. The question is available on iLearn. Students will submit a self-evaluation using the marking rubric provided on iLearn. Guidelines and word limit available in iLearn. Submit via Turnitin.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the historical processes and fundamental long term social and cultural developments in the study of ancient Egypt.
  • Find, analyse and critique primary and secondary sources pertaining to the study of ancient Egyptian culture and society, illustrating sound skills in research, and an ability to present the information in a written and oral format.
  • Identify the processes by which the ancient Egyptian culture transformed and yet maintained its cultural identity throughout its long history.

ePortfolio

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 22:00 07/11/2021
Weighting: 15%

 

The ePortfolio will be comprised of 2 elements: 1) Journal of Learning (after each class); 2) Self-Reflection on discussion questions. Guidelines and word limit available in iLearn. Submit via Turnitin.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the historical processes and fundamental long term social and cultural developments in the study of ancient Egypt.
  • Find, analyse and critique primary and secondary sources pertaining to the study of ancient Egyptian culture and society, illustrating sound skills in research, and an ability to present the information in a written and oral format.
  • Identify the processes by which the ancient Egyptian culture transformed and yet maintained its cultural identity throughout its long history.
  • Apply critical self reflection, acquired knowledge and documentation skills in online written and oral discussion.

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

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

This unit will be taught following a flipped classroom model, in which students first gain exposure to new material outside of class via (required) reading and watching recorded lectures. Extensions resources will be provided. The tutorial time is used to do the harder work of assimilating and applying knowledge acquired.

This unit is comprised of 2 key elements:

  1. 3 hours of instruction (1-2 hours of pre-recorded lectures and 1 hour tutorials delivered either on campus or online via Zoom);
  2. and individual study and preparation.
  • Students are expected to attend all tutorials, unless there are extenuating circumstances. A log will be taken to record attendance.
  • Pre-recorded lectures will be available on the iLearn site before the week they are due. Students are expected to have watched the lecture material and completed the required readings before attending their scheduled tutorial.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

iLearn will play a pivotal role throughout the session and it will be your central hub for information and instructions. Each week will be structured as follows:

BEFORE TUTORIALS

  • Step 1 | Preparation 
    • Listen to the pre-recorded lecture content.
    • Complete the required tutorial readings (available via iLearn) before attending class in preparation for the weekly online quiz.
  • Step 2 | Assessment
    • Complete an online quiz based on the required readings and prepare for the tutorial discussion (in class or via Zoom).

DURING TUTORIALS

  • Step 3 | Engage with your peers 
    • Lead/participate in group discussion in your assigned teams and participate in the weekly tutorial discussion/activities.

AFTER TUTORIALS

  • Step 4 | Consolidate your knowledge
    • Journal of Learning - write a short reflection on the weekly readings, lecture content or tutorial discussion in your learning journal on iLearn.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

There is no required textbook for this unit. A list of Required and Extension Learning Materials will be provided on the unit's iLearn site each week with information on how to download the readings online. 

Recommended texts - those marked with an * are strongly recommended.

  • Baines, J. Visual and written culture in ancient Egypt (Oxford, 2007).
  • Baines J. and Malek, J., Cultural Atlas of Ancient Egypt (New York, 2000, rev. edition).
  • * Carruthers, W., (ed.) Histories of Egyptology: Interdisciplinary Measures (New York, 2015).
  • Frood, E., and McDonald, A (eds.) Decorum and Experience: Essays in ancient culture for John Baines (Oxford, 2013).
  • Kemp, B.J., Ancient Egypt. Anatomy of a Civilisation (London, New York, 3rd ed. 2018).
  • * Lloyd, A. B. (ed.) A Companion to Ancient Egypt. 2 volumes (Chichester,  2010). Full text available from Blackwell Reference Online  (access through MQ library catalogue)
  • * Shaw, I. & Bloxam, E. (2015). The Oxford handbook of Egyptology (Oxford, 2015). Online access through MQ library catalogue.
  • Shaw, I. (ed.), The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt (Oxford, 2003).
  • * Wendrich, W., (ed.) Egyptian Archaeology (Chichester, Malden, 2010).
  • Wengrow, D. The Archaeology of Early Egypt: Social Transformation in North-East Africa, 10,000 to 2650 BC (Cambridge, 2006).

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.

ONLINE STUDENT LED DISCUSSIONS | ZOOM MEETINGS

If you have registered for the online tutorial, we will meet via Zoom at the assigned time. A Zoom link will be provided on iLearn each week for this purpose. Click here for a summary of the basics of Zoom from the MQ L&T Blog.

It is your responsibility to pre-configure your computer to use this software prior to the first Zoom tutorial in Week 1.

Pre-Configuration: 

  • To access Zoom and set up and meeting, go to https://macquarie.zoom.us/ and enter your OneID and password.
  • Please make sure your Mac or PC is equipped with a microphone and speakers, so that you can use the audio functionality built into the web conferencing software.
  • Please note that it is extremely important that you get your system set up prior to the start of the event. Information on installing the necessary software and configuring your PC or Mac is available at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697-Getting-Started 

Please note that this link is only for Set up. Once you have completed the setup, close down the link and use the link provided on iLearn to access the room for the first meeting, which will be an informal get to know everyone session and we will also assign the tutorial discussion topics to each of you for the session.

Unit Schedule

 

Week

Lecture

Tutorial

Assessment

1

Histories of Egyptology: 

Interdisciplinary measures & futures

Meet & greet

  • Unit guide Online Quiz (non-assessable)

2

Class & society:

Position and possessions

Research skills 1​

  • Online quiz – Week 2

3

Ideological foundations of the state:

Rituals of royalty and divine kingship 

Research skills 2

  • No Quiz

4

Governmental power:

Territory, administration & the judiciary

Research skills 3

  • No Quiz

5

Meeting the Other:

Transfers & cultural Interactions

  • NO TUTORIAL
  • ONLINE MODULE: eXplore your potential
  • No Quiz
  • Article Review due (Sunday @ 10pm)

6

Identity, individuality & personhood:

Studies on age, gender, sexuality & ability

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 6

7

Performance and ritual mortuary practice:

The social dimensions of death

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 7

MID-SESSION BREAK

8

NO CLASS

NO CLASS

  • No Quiz
  • Research Essay due (Sunday @ 10pm)

9

Spaces, landscapes & natures: 

Perceptions of the environment & landscape

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 9

10

Transformation of monumental landscapes:

Landscape as archive

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 10

11

The past as a resource: Archaism, imitation & (re)productive traditions

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 11

12

Collecting, curating and displaying ancient Egypt: 

Art, aesthetics & museums

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 12

13

Ancient Egypt in the memory of the world:

Cultural encounters & the construction(s) of Egypt’s past

Student Led Tutorial discussion

  • Online quiz – Week 13
  • ePortfolio due (Sunday @10pm)

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.

Accessibility Statement

This unit is intended for all students, including those with mental or physical disabilities, illness, injuries, impairments, or any other condition that tends to negatively affect one’s equal access to education. If, at any point in the session, you find yourself not able to fully access the space, content, and experience of this course, you are welcome (but not required) to contact me. It is never too late to request accommodations -- our bodies and circumstances are diverse and continuously changing. 

For students with accessibility requirements, I encourage you to contact Accessibility Services to ensure that we, as an institution, are supporting your learning. By making a plan through Accessibility Services, you can ensure accommodation without disclosing any information to your course convenors.

There are also a range of resources on campus that serve to support and improve student learning and wellbeing, including the Learning Skills UnitPeer Support programs, resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studentsEnglish Language support, and Student Wellbeing support and resources. Please reach out to these programs or contact me directly for further information. 

Please know I am here to support you as best I can, in this unit and beyond, and your success in this unit is very important to me. I would like to see us all working together, supporting each other and ultimately recognise and acknowledge the challenging circumstances we all find ourselves in.   

Changes since First Published

Date Description
12/08/2021 Clerical error in assessment due date. Updated accessibility statement.

Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook