Students

AHPG864 – Ancient Egyptian Epigraphy

2014 – S1 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Boyo Ockinga
boyo.ockinga@mq.edu.au
Contact via boyo.ockinga@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MA in Egyptology and (AHPG874 or AHIS360)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
A study of Egyptian funerary stelae and their hieroglyphic texts in their original form and epigraphic context. The developments in their form, decoration and layout, as well as the changes in the funerary prayers they bear, will be analysed. Criteria that can be used for dating purposes will be identified. Students will acquire and apply epigraphic methodologies to record and analyse specific examples of stelae.

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:

  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Class Participation 10% Each week
Class Presentation 15% once during the semester
Exam 35% 19 June 2014
Essay 40% May 16, 2014

Class Participation

Due: Each week
Weighting: 10%

Students will prepare for classes by examining epigraphically and attempting to date the monuments to be discussed each week; students will participate in the class discussion of the monuments studied; they will prepare a transliteration and translation of the texts on the monuments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Class Presentation

Due: once during the semester
Weighting: 15%

Present in class a seminar paper of ca. 20 – 30 mins. giving a critical review of a secondary work dealing with ancient Egyptian epigraphy. Students will be required to prepare a handout that can be uploaded onto the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing

Exam

Due: 19 June 2014
Weighting: 35%

The exam will enable the student to demonstrate that s/he has grasped the skills and methodologies acquired during the semester and is able to apply them to the task of analysing a monument.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Essay

Due: May 16, 2014
Weighting: 40%

The essay will require the student to analyse a stele, write a commentary on its epigraphic and palaeographic details, put forward a date for the piece and present the work in a format suitable for publication in an Egyptological journal.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Delivery and Resources

Delivery: classes will be held on-campus at North Ryde.

Times and location for campus Lectures: for current updates, lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetables website: www.timetables.mq.edu.au

This unit uses iLearn. All students have acces to the unit's iLearn site.

On the iLearn site students will find a bibliography for the unit and links to resources, presentation and essay topics, as well as a list of stelae to be studied.

All students are expected to prepare for, attend and actively participate in classes. Preparation for classes involves preparing the stelae to be discussed, including doing translations of the texts they bear, as well as doing preparatory readings.

Unit Schedule

This unit introduces students to ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography. Epigraphy (from the Grk. epigraphe “inscription”) is concerned with the outward form of an inscription rather than its historical, cultural content. It includes the science of palaeography, which deals with the forms of individual letter/signs in a particular period and their development over time, but in Egyptology epigraphy also embraces the study of the overall setting of an inscription. In this unit, this will be done through a study of a selection of funerary stelae (in chronological order from the early Dynastic Period to the Ramesside Period), their form, layout and decoration and their accompanying hieroglyphic texts in their original form and epigraphic context. The developments in their form, decoration and layout, as well as the changes in the funerary prayers they bear, will be analysed. Criteria that can be used for dating purposes will be identified. Students will acquire and apply epigraphic methodologies to record and analyse specific examples of stelae.

Each week there will be one or more student prresentations which will review the different methods used in Egyptology for epigraphic recording, dating criteria and the history of epigraphy in the discipline.

Each week several stele will also be examined and discussed in class. We will primarily be working from photographs of stelae but will also be working with examples held in the MQ Museum of Ancient Cultures.

A list of topics for presentations and a list of stele with digital photographs will be made available on the iLearn website.

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/

 EXTENSIONS

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 before the assignment's due date.

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments can be submitted in hard copy through the Arts Student Centre on Level 1, W6A, or electronically through the iLearn site.

COMPLETION OF UNIT

A student is required to achieve an overall mark of 50% or above to complete the unit satisfactorily and to submit all pieces of written work.

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

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Class Presentation
  • Exam
  • Essay

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrate a knowledge of the history of epigraphy in Egyptology and the different epigraphic methods employed; identify and recall the historical developments in the form, decoration and layout of ancient Egyptian stelae and how these can be used for dating purposes; identify and recall ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script and grammatical structures necessary for the study of ancient Egyptian stelae.
  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Class Presentation
  • Exam
  • Essay

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Assessment task

  • Essay

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • assess the epigraphic criteria required to interpret and date an ancient Egyptian stele; critically analyse and interpret the epigraphic features and texts of Egyptian funerary stelae; explore and appraise relevant reference tools; demonstrate communication skills in oral presentation and in writing
  • critically evaluate the modern scholarship relevant to the field of Egyptian epigraphy; integrate knowledge of ancient Egyptian epigraphy and palaeography in the interpretation and dating of ancient Egyptian funerary stelae; analyse the importance of epigraphy in the study and interpretation of ancient Egyptian monuments

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Class Presentation
  • Exam
  • Essay