The Archaeology of Ancient Egypt

3 units

This course offers an introduction to Ancient Egyptian art and culture, using archaeology as its starting point. Discussion will focus on methods archaeologists use to excavate, date and analyze remains, and show how, from the significant discoveries of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to present-day DNA testing of mummies, archaeology draws upon multiple disciplines to deepen our understanding of this fascinating civilization. Introducing students to basic terminology and analytic concepts from the fields of Archaeology, Art History and Architecture will form the foundation for exploring Egypt's rich material culture from the emergence of the civilization to the end of the New Kingdom. From this, students will learn what symbolism, style and shifts in style reveal about the people and society that created the art. In addition to the chronological presentation of material, some classes will focus on specific themes, such as writing and burial rituals. No prereq.