HS2410: Pharaohs of the Sun
School | Archaeology |
Department Code | SHARE |
Module Code | HS2410 |
External Subject Code | F420 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | PROFESSOR Paul Nicholson |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
This module examines the archaeology and history of the reign of Akhenaten and those surrounding it. The history and background of this period of apparent religious iconoclasm and political upheaval are examined in the light of the archaeological evidence and students are asked to judge the significance of this 'Amarna period. The site of Tell el-Amarna and its archaeological significance are also examined.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Understand how archaeological evidence has been used to reconstruct the reign of Akhenaten
Recognise how art of the Amarna period differs from earlier Egyptian art
Evaluate the significance of Tell el-Amarna for our understanding of urban life in ancient Egypt
Evaluate the significance of written and visual records of Akhenaten’s reign
How the module will be delivered
Teaching will mostly be by means of lectures. These lectures make full use of images so that students are taught to recognise key features of funerary monuments and artefacts.
Teaching is both chronological and thematic, so that students are given an understanding of how particular aspects of the Amarna period developed over time.
An optional museum visit, accompanied by the lecturer is normally included in the course. This is an opportunity for those who wish to do so to experience artefacts at first hand
Skills that will be practised and developed
Intellectual Skills:
Ability to critically assess written and archaeological sources
Ability to prepare a well argued essay supported by adequate references
Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:
Ability to recognise and correctly assign and interpret Amarna period monuments and artefacts
Transferable Skills:
Ability to research a topic individually
Ability to prepare a well-argued piece of work supported by adequate references/examples.
How the module will be assessed
1. Essay of 2500 words. The essay titles are set by the lecturer, but alternative titles are acceptable if agreed with the lecturer in advance. The essay allows the student to demonstrate, at some length their knowledge and understanding of particular topics. Reading for the essay will form useful background for the exam and test (2 & 3)
2. Class test of up to 1 hour, comprising questions based on a series of photographs. The aim of the exercise is to test students recognition of key figures, sites and artefacts covered in the course. Many of the illustrations will have featured in the lectures, others will be well known items which students will have come across in their reading.
3. Exam of 1 hour, requiring 1 essay question to be answered. The exam questions are designed to cover a wide chronological and thematic range. There will be a choice of at least 8 questions on the paper. Students should not answer a question that covers the same topics as their essay, but should nonetheless be able to use background knowledge from the essay and more general reading to answer the question. The questions may require knowledge of particular artefacts or monuments, thus testing their knowledge of the materials in question.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 40 | Pharaohs Of The Sun | N/A |
Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Pharaohs Of The Sun | 1 |
Written Assessment | 10 | Coursework | N/A |
Syllabus content
Research Skills for Egyptian Archaeology in general and this period in particular
The physical and symbolic geography of ancient Egypt
Background to Egyptian history
Traditional Egptian religion and the background to Atenism
The reign of Amenhotep III (1390-1352 B.C.)
Akhenaten and the development of the heresy
Karnak and early monuments
The move to Amarna (Akhetaten)
Nefertiti
The City of Amarna
Amarna art
Crafts and industries at Amarna
The Amarna Letters and the Empire
Smenkhare and Tutankhamun
Ay and Horemheb
History of research on the Amarna period
Essential Reading and Resource List
Aldred, C. (1991) Akhenaten: King of Egypt. London: Thames and Hudson.
Freed, R. E. , Markowitz, Y.J. and D'Auria, S.H. (1999) Pharaohs of the Sun: Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tutankhamun. London: Thames and Hudson.
Hornung, E. (2001) Akhenaten and the Religion of Light. Ithaca: Cornell Universitty Press.
Kemp. B.J. (Ed.) (1983 - ) Amarna Reports I - . London: Egpyt Exploration Society
Kemp, B.J. (1989) Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilisation. London: Routledge.
Kemp, B.J. and Garfi, S. (1993)A Survey of the Ancient City of El-'Amarna. London: Egypt Exploration Society.
Montserrat, D. (2000)Akhenaten: History, Fantasy and Fact. London: Routledge.
Quirke, S. (2001) The Cult of Ra. London: Thames and Hudson.
Redford, D.B. (1984) Akhenaten: The Heretic King. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Reeves, N. (2001) Akhenaten: Egypt’s False Prophet. London: Thames and Hudson
Tyldesley, J. (1998) Nefertiti: Egypt’s Sun Queen. New York: Viking.