New Kingdom Egypt, the Aegean & the East

This subject is not offered in 2012.

During the imperial New Kingdom period Egypt (1550–1069 BCE) enjoyed unprecedented power, prosperity, and artistic creativity. First we will explore Egypt’s relationship with neighbouring Nubia and Canaan within the historical context of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties. This will be followed by a fascinating survey of literature and writing, religion and mythology, diplomacy and military conquests, and the transmission of cultural influences. These topics will also be highlighted through an exciting study of key sites, monuments, artefacts and literary (Egyptian, Akkadian, and Ugaritic) sources. Finally, the focus will be on the contributions of such captivating rulers as Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, and Rameses. Students completing this subject will boast a rich and detailed knowledge of the features of the New Kingdom Egyptian Empire.

Students who successfully complete this subject should...

• be able to demonstrate familiarity with the major cultures of the east Mediterranean Bronze Age.
• be able to demonstrate familiarity with the archaeological remains of Egypt, the Aegean, and the Levant.
• have an understanding of the interactions between Egypt, the Aegean, and the Levant.
• have an understanding of the geography and chronology of the east Mediterranean Bronze Age.
• demonstrate understanding of the transition from the Bronze to Iron Ages in ca. 1180 BCE.
• demonstrate understanding of the major controversies in the study of the east Mediterranean Bronze Age.
• be able to use the basic research resources and journals in east Mediterranean archaeology.
• be prepared to undertake further studies in Egyptian, Near Eastern, Aegean, and Classical archaeology.

A journal assignment of 250 words 10% (due week 3 of semester), a class paper/essay of 2000 words (including a 7-10 minute presentation) 45% (presentations during semester, and papers due at end of semester), a take-home examination of 1750 words 35% (due during the examination period), 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 working days, late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Killebrew, A., Biblican Peoples and Ethnicity: An Archaeological Study of Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines and Early Israel, 1300-1100 BCE Society of Biblican Literature, 2005

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject should

• possess skills of critical thinking and analysis.
• possess an ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly, economically and effectively.
• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.