Religion of the Pharaohs Elon University, January 2002

Course Description 

Course Objectives 

1. to provide a basic introduction to Egyptian history, literature, and culture
2. to provide a more in-depth examination of religious life in ancient Egypt
3. to provide an introduction to and critical analysis of the ways in which popular vehicles of modern American culture use (or misuse)  conceptions of ancient cultures to promote contemporary social and cultural values, especially regarding race and politics
4. to develop skills in historical research, historical analysis, and historical writing
5. to develop the art of oral presentations
6. to facilitate multidisciplinary work in literature, history, politics, and art
7. to develop critical reading skills for both primary and secondary literature

  

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Required Texts 

Additional required readings are on reserve in the library.  They are marked with an * on the syllabus.

Required media assignments, such as CD-ROMs or videos, are also on reserve in the library.  They are marked with an # on the syllabus.

Students should bring the assigned readings to class each day.  I realize that books are expensive—if you do not purchase or photocopy the required readings, you are expected to take detailed notes so that you can participate in the class discussions.
 

Course Requirements 

In preparing for class, students should take into account the following:

• basic "facts" and concepts in the secondary sources
• the ways in which the secondary sources and primary sources complement each other or contradict each other
• the ways in which the secondary sources contradict or complement each other
• the underlying argument, thesis, agenda, or perspective behind the secondary sources, internet sites, and films

Take notes:  you will be expected to incorporate issues raised in class discussions in your papers.  Make friends:  if you must miss class, you should get notes from a classmate before meeting with the instructor to go over missed material.  If you miss a video or other multi-media presentation in class, it is your responsibility to find and view the material on your own time.

Classs presentation:  Each student will be required to lead the class discussion for part of one class meeting.  For your assigned day , you must email questions and topics for class discussion to the class no later than 6 pm the night before class.  (In other words, you need to complete the assignments for your day a couple of days ahead of time.)  On the day of your presentation, you will begin with a five minute presentation of what you think are the most important or most interesting aspects of the assignments.  You will then select one of your emailed questions and topics to begin the discussion.  We will return to your other questions or topics throughout the class.

Quizzes:  There will be several quizzes on the Blackboard system over the course of the term.  The quizzes will test students on basic data, such as names, terms, and dates essential to understanding ancient Egyptian religiosity.

Papers:  You will write three 1000 word papers based on the assignments and class discussion.  You will do NO OUTSIDE RESEARCH for these papers.  Papers will be graded on the strength of their argument and use of course materials,  as well as grammar, style, and spelling.

Research project:  Early in the term, you will select a research topic that will form the basis of a term project.  The final project will probably take the form of a 2000-2500-word paper (not including a bibliography), but alternative projects (such as a video or other media, an individual or collaborative dramatic work, etc.) will be considered.  You will be required to:

• consult with the instructor about your research topic
• submit an outline and bibliography
• present the preliminary results of your research to the class
• submit a final 2500-3000-word paper (or alternative work) with bibliography at the end of the term

Course Websites 

Evaluations and Grading 

Grading Scale
All assignments will be given a percentage grade based on the following grading scale:

F	0-59%	expresses little accurate information and/or is not coherent, fails to answer the questions
D	60-69%	demonstrates little thought; work shows effort, but the information, explanation, and conclusions are weak
C	70-79%	articulates your thoughts coherently
B	80-89%	explores why you think the way you do
A	90-100%	reserved for excellence, when you use the material as a springboard for higher level critical thinking of your own rather than merely report information or describe what you think.  For instance:  You engage with other perspectives, counter-arguments, etc.  You demonstrate creativity and original thought.  You step back from your own point of view to look at the pros and cons of thinking in the ways you do.

For your attendance and participation grade, the above scale will be used with one modification.  Reguarly showing up to class with occasional participation in class discussion will earn a 75%.  Additional absences and a demonstrable lack of preparedness will lower your grade.  Critical engagement with the assignments in class is required to earn a participation grade above 75%.  You will not be graded on whether or not your comments are "right."  You will be graded using the above grading scale on whether or not you have completed and reflected on the assignments and issues for the class and whether you constructively engage questions and ideas posed by the instructor and your fellow classmates.

Final grades will be calculated as follows:

Attendance & Participation	20% 25%
Class Presentation	10%
Quizzes	10%
Papers (3)	40% 45% (15% each)
Research Project	20%

Schedule of Assignments