Classroom Presentation and Written Critique: Each student will give one full 15-minute class presentation on a primary text reading assignment. Each presentation is a précis and historical interpretation of a specific primary text or group of related primary texts as part of the reading assignment for a given day. The presentation must include an historical analysis dealing with the pertinent historical implications of the texts. After the oral presentation, students have one week to write up their presentation and analyses into a 3-page (min.) formal critique of their documents. Students will sign up for their days and texts. The presentations and critiques are necessary to pass the course.
Term Paper: Due April 17. Students will complete a term paper (9-10 pages) on any topic related to a list of acceptable themes and subject areas (to be posted on the course Web pages) pertinent to the history of Egypt during its empire and post-imperial period (Dynasties 18-21). Students will be required to submit an annotated bibliography for their paper on March 20, which will be graded. The specific requirements of the paper are located below under "Paper Requirements." Completion of the bibliography and paper is necessary to pass the course.
Examinations: This course includes a midterm examination, containing objective questions and essays drawn from the lectures, readings, and any videos. There is no final examination.
If the instructor does not call the daily roll, an attendance sign-in sheet will be circulated. Students are also marked as absent for the following reasons: they do not sign the attendance sheet; they sign the sheet then leave class; they leave class for an inordinate period of time without valid excuse. Any student who leaves class without permission and does not return after taking a quiz or exam will be recounted as absent, and the quiz/exam will receive an automatic failing grade (0 = F).
Make-Up Quizzes and Exams: This course does not regularly provide make-up quizzes or exams. However, if students present a valid medical excuse documented in writing and processed through the Office of Undergraduate Studies, they will be permitted to complete a comparable written assignment or research paper to make up the lost work. This assignment will not be easy or convenient, and it will be graded with considered caution. Except by special arrangement with the instructor, students have only one (1) week to complete and submit the makeup assignment for the quizzes before the grade reverts to zero (unless there is continuing documented illness). It is the responsibility of the student to assume the initiative in pursuing any make-up assignment within the time deadline. If a student misses a midterm examination (worth 20% of the grade), comparable makeup work will consist of a required second term paper.
Extra Credit Assignments: From time to time, the instructior will make available to the students opportunities for extra credit.. These assignments are often in the form of attending certain pertinent public lectures on campus and writing a short prée;cis for each. However, to be eligible for such extra credit, students must meet the minimum requirements for the course, i.e., they can have no missing quizzes or exams or regular assignments without documented excuse.
SNAP-Program students enrolled in this class specifically to replace a foreign language requirement should be aware that much of the course's content pertains to foreign languages, words, and names. All students will be evaluated on how well they master proper spelling and pronunciation. Given that this course requires a facility with foreign terms (French, German, Arabic, etc.), including ancient Egyptian names, texts, teleological concepts and metaphysics, any special-needs students taking this course as an alternative to a foreign language requirement might find themselves disadvantaged. They should see the instructor immediately.
Late papers will be penalized five (5) points for each day late (including Saturdays), up to three days, after which they automatically receive a grade of "F", and will be graded no higher than 59%. Failure to submit a paper entirely will result in an automatic failure in the course, regardless of the student's grade standing. All papers must be submitted in person to the instructor; failing that, they may be submitted to the History Department (Maybank 203), where the departmental administrators will certify and date-stamp their arrival.