ART 210-01, Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt, Spring 2013

Abstract

This course will explore the art and architecture of ancient Egypt. The chronological survey will examine the material remains of these cultures with a significant emphasis on the social, political, and religious contexts in which they were created. The rediscovery and study of these cultures in the 19th and 20th centuries and museological issues related to this material will also be discussed. Students will approach ancient Egypt through the eyes of art historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists. Active reading, researching, and participation in class discussions are the means by which students will access and learn course content. Among some of the course goals are the following: To gain an understanding of Ancient Egypt and neighboring cultures, and the material world these peoples created and valued To explore the modern Western fascination with and reception of ancient Egyptian culture To learn to read critically, both introductory texts and scholarly articles To achieve the ability to discuss and write about art objects with appropriate and effective vocabulary