Ancient Egypt: five places, five stories

A Certificate of Participation is awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/learning activities for the duration of the course. This tutor-led, cohort-based online course is 7-weeks in duration and is made up of 5 teaching units. Unit 1 - Abydos Learning objectives: - To provide an understanding of the way in which dynastic Egypt was formed and the use of locational symbolism to affirm the unified nature of the country. - To explore ideas about the different trajectories that this fledgling society might have taken. Unit 2 - The pyramids of Seneferu Learning objectives: - To provide an idea of the relationship that an ordinary person would have with a state project and its construction and functioning, and hence with the state itself. - To provide an insight into the Old Kingdom, the first florescence of ancient Egypt. Unit 3 - Lahun Learning objectives: - To provide an understanding of where Pharaoh was putting resources as ancient Egypt looked outside its borders. - To provide a sense of the material culture of an ordinary ancient Egyptian person. Unit 4 - Tell el-Amarna/Akhetaten Learning objectives: - To acquire some knowledge of this brief and exceptional period of history and its extraordinarily well-preserved central site. - To gain from biological anthropology a feeling of what life was like for the citizens of Akhetaten. Unit 5 - The mortuary chapel of Amenirdis I, Medinet Habu Learning objectives: - To learn about a unique role for royal women that balanced that of the powerful factions competing for the throne. - To consider the Nubian pharaohs and their manipulation of Egyptian institutions to reinforce their rule.