AAP3009   Egypt in the age of empire   (20 credits)

Description

This module provides the student with a detailed knowledge of the archaeology of Dynastic Egypt during the New Kingdom, between 16th and 11th centuries BC (18th - 20th Dynasties). The module embeds Egypt in its late prehistoric Mediterranean and Near Eastern context and traces the development of Eyptian society. Dynastic rule and its relationship with neighbours. The module will use archaeological, textual and scientific evidence to explore how ideology, belief, genetic lineages and conflict shape society. This unit aims to: acquaint students with the major themes and issues in the archaeology of New Kingdom Egypt and its relations with the Aegean, Hittite, Mitanni and Near Eastern superpowers; introduce students to the range of methods and theoretical approaches applied to Egyptian archaeology and enable them to understand the changing perspectives within the subject; integrate and use current scientific evidence to explore the debates on culture, society and economy in this prosperous and dynamic period in the history of Egypt ensure that students understand the place of Egypt within the diversity and complexity of the Mediterranean and Near East in the Late Bronze Age; introduce students to debates, issues and key themes in Egyptian archaeology through case studies, especially with regard to new approaches and scientific techniques. Students will develop the: ability to critically evaluate textual and scientific evidence and theoretical interpretations; ability to critically evaluate and synthesise information from published sources; participating in and presenting and leading seminars, engaging in practical exercises to explore archaeological material; ability to investigate topical archaeological problems through the assimilation of scientific and experimental data; reflective assessment.

Reading List