Course Requirements
Class participation and attendance
Students should come to class prepared to discuss the daily assignments.
Assignments should be completed before class on the day on which
they are listed on the syllabus. Students should bring to class specific
questions about the assignments and topics for class discussion. In
preparing for class, consider 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
Class participation is an integral part of this course. All
students are expected to participate in a thoughtful, well-prepared
manner that is grounded in the course assignments. All members
of the class are expected to reflect critically on they ways in which
they can contribute to constructive rather than destructive class dynamics.
I often call upon students and may not wait for students to volunteer
themselves. Take notes: you will be expected to incorporate
issues raised in class discussions in your papers.
More than two absences may severely affect your grade. Students
with multiple excused absences should speak to me about a make-up assignment
for their missed participation. Unexcused absences cannot be made
up. 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.
Class 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.
Papers
You will write two 1000-1100-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.
Exams
There will be two in-class exams. There is no final exam;
a final project is due on the scheduled exam date.
Final Project
Each student will complete one small final research project on a specific
topic of interest to him or her which will allow the student to gain in-depth
knowledge of one aspect of ancient Egyptian history or culture. Students
usually elect to write an 1800-2000-word research paper, but alternative projects
(film, art, play, etc.) are possible with prior approval from the
professor. Group projects are also welcome with prior approval
of the professor. All students will consult with the professor
before selecting their topic and will turn in a bibiliography and proposal
near the end of the semester. Final projects are due in the Blackboard
drop box on the scheduled final exam day for the course.