Course syllabus

 

arts-logo.png

ANCHIST 210: Egyptian Language 1A

SEMESTER 1, 2018

15 points

 False-door of Khenu EA1272.jpg

Teacher:

Jennifer Hellum j.hellum@auckland.ac.nz

 

Course delivery format:

2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of tutorial

 

Summary of Course Description:              

The language of the ancient Egyptians, written in hieroglyphs, was deciphered in 1822 by Jean-François Champollion. From that point, the literature of the Egyptians slowly began to come from the shadows, until today, when it is read and discussed all over the globe. Egyptian itself is a beautiful and playful language. The Egyptians revelled in visual and linguistic puns, and the sign system of hieroglyphs was ideal for both. The writing system, once enigmatic and thought to be esoteric, is now known to be used both within the literature and the art, and can be interpreted in multiple ways and on multiple levels. This course begins with teaching you how to write the individual signs, and ends, with ANCHIST 220, in reading some of the wonderful and fantastical tales from the literature. The coursebook provides a detailed explanation of the grammar, through which you are guided slowly. It is not an easy language to learn, but it is very rewarding. 

Course outcomes:

Students who complete this course will:

- have a grasp of the grammar of Middle Egyptian

- have a deeper understanding of the literature of ancient Egypt

- greatly enhance their general study and research skills, which can be put to use in the job market 

 

 Assessment Summary:

20% test                                                         23 April

60% assignments (6 x 10% each)                 due on the Friday of every other week, beginning in Week Two

20% take-home exam                                    last week of the semester handed out May 28, due June 1, 1 pm

 

Prescribed Texts:

James P. Allen, Middle Egyptian: an introduction to the language and culture of hieroglyphs, 3rd ed., rev. and re-organised, Cambridge, 2014.

 

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.

Course summary:

Date Details Due