This course deals specifically with the life of the common person in Egyptian society from the Old Kingdom through the end of the Persian Period (c. 2600-332 BC). It combines the traditional textual criticism-based methodologies of historians with the archaeological and philological methods of the Egyptologist to explore ancient Egyptian social history. Topics are arranged conceptually, not chronologically, to provide insight into Egyptian life and society and social institutions. The course emphasizes the interdisciplinary methodologies used by Egyptologists to understand Egyptian civilization. Topics of study revolve around the reading list of books (see below), as well as outside articles assigned from journals and collected studies (see Web pages). They include: development of political history (as a basis), geography and environment, using archaeology to reconstruct social history, Egyptian language and writing, structure of society, literacy and education, social initiation, economic structures and institutions, occupations and divisions iof labor, function and practice of religion, medicine and medical magic, and the role and status of women.
Student presentations and regular discussion sessions form an important part of the curriculum.
Each student is required to write a research paper (20-25 pages long) on a viable topic related to ancient Egyptian social history, life and society. Here the student will formulate a specific topic in consultation with the professor from the range of themes and issues provided in the readings. The student will proceed in a methodical manner to research and write the paper over the length of the term, beginning with general readings, formulation of the topic, composing an annotated bibliography, outlining the paper, authoring multiple drafts, and completing the final draft. In the final-draft stage, the student will present a formal oral report to the seminar on issues and findings for group discussion. At all points of the process, the student will remain in close consultation with the professor.
The seminar is not a lecture course; however, due to the arcane character of the material and most students' inexperience with the subject, the professor will take time in each session to advance basic historical information relevant to the weekly topic.