Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

Subject 107-102 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: .
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Louise Hitchcock

Contact

Louise Hitchcock

lahi@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will study the archaeology and literature of the two earliest civilisations - one situated in the Nile Valley (Egypt), the other in the plains of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (Mesopotamia). These vastly different societies, which have fascinated people's minds and stirred their imaginations for millennia, will be compared in terms of monuments, art, mythology, epic narratives, history and social institutions. Their highly visible legacy, uncovered by generations of archaeologists, will also be examined to define further the processes that developed these complex societies.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should...
  • be familiar with the development of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern civilisation;
  • be able to interpret ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern cultures through their literature, mythology and material remains;
  • understand the achievements and limitations of Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeology.
Assessment:

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising two 1000 word research essays 25% each (one due mid-semester and one due at the end of semester), a reflective essay/take-home exam of 2000 words 40% (distributed at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 10% (throughout the semester). Hurdle requirement: students must attend at least 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • First Civilizations: Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (R Chadwick), London: Equinox (2nd Edition)
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

  • possess effective written communication skills;

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.
Notes: .
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient World Studies
Ancient World Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient, Medieval && Early Modern Studies Major
Classical Studies && Archaeology Major
Classical Studies and Archaeology
Classical Studies and Archaeology
History
History Major

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