Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

Subject ANCW10001 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

Taught on campus

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: 8 hours per week: Total time commitment 96 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Louise Hitchcock

Contact

Dr Louise Hitchcock lahi@unimelb.edu.au Dr Andrew Jamieson
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 a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five days, no late assessment will be accepted. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • First Civilizations: Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (R Chadwick), London: Equinox (2nd Edition)
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.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient World Studies
Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Studies Major
Classical Studies and Archaeology
Classical Studies and Archaeology
Classical Studies and Archaeology Major
History Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Archaeology
Ancient Civilizations A
Ancient Egypt and the Near East

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