Course unit details:
Fast-Track Middle Egyptian
| Unit code | CAHE66311 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Pre/co-requisites
Aims
The unit aims to:
1. provide the students with a good knowledge of the basic structure, grammar and use of the Middle Egyptian language and hieroglyphic script.
2. assess the significance of the hieroglyphic script in the development of Egyptian culture.
3. provide an overview of the various stages of decipherment of the hieroglyphic script from Antiquity to 1822.
4. provide the students with the opportunity to translate original source material and work directly with ancient text.
5. assess the differences in modern translations and the impact on the use and function of textual sources in the study of ancient Egypt.
Teaching and learning methods
Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate knowledge of the development of the ancient Egyptian language and script.
Show an understanding of the types of textual material which survives from ancient Egypt and the limitations and uses specific to each category.
Intellectual skills
Display the ability to transliterate and translate basic sentence constructions.
Display the ability to interpret the translated material vis a vis their historical and/or socio-cultural significance.
Practical skills
Demonstrate the ability to transliterate and translate Middle Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Show a knowledge of how to interpret ancient languages.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Display a knowledge of basic grammatical and linguistic constructs.
Demonstrate the ability to critically asses textual data.
Show a high level of intercultural understanding.
Assessment methods
Feedback methods
Discussion Board - ongoing feedback
Translation - written feedback within 15 working days
Essay - written feedback within 15 working days
Recommended reading
Allen, J. P. 2014. Middle Egyptian: An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs. Cambridge University Press.
Allen, J. P. 2015. Middle Egyptian Literature: Eight Literary Works of the Middle Kingdom. Cambridge University Press.
Collier, M. and B. Manley. 2003. How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Yourself. University of California Press.
Faulkner, R. O. 1962. A Concise Dictionary of Middle Egyptian. Vivian Ridler.
Gardiner, A. H. Egyptian Grammar. Griffith Institute.
Kamrin, J. 2004. Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs: A Practical Guide. Harry N. Abrams.
Loprieno, A. 2008. Ancient Egyptian: A Linguistic Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
Manley, B. 2012. Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Complete Beginners. Thames and Hudson.
Parkinson, R. B. 1999. Cracking Codes: The Rosetta Stone and Decipherment. University of California Press.
Sethe, K. E. 1929. Ägyptische Lesestücke zum Gebrauch im Akademischen Unterricht. Georg Olms.
Wilson, P. 2004. Hieroglyphs: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Huw Twiston Davies | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
11 lectures; 11 seminar discussions. Written seminar discussions on Discussion Boards.