A concentration in Egyptology is offered for undergraduates who wish to pursue the bachelor of arts degree; concentrations in other Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations are currently being planned.. There are no prerequisites. For a major in Egyptology, students are encouraged to learn German (or French) early in their college careers in order to expand their access to secondary materials. The core of the Egyptology concentration is two years of instruction in ancient Egyptian (language) plus a senior seminar (EG 191) that results in a senior thesis. In addition to these five courses, four courses are to be taken from related offerings in either language or lecture courses. The department presently offers three variants of its concentration program, but further options can be considered.
1. Program in Egyptian Language and Literature. The program in Egyptian language and literature allows students to pursue more advanced study in Old Egyptian, Late Egyptian, Demotic or Coptic as well as linguistics and other related languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Akkadian, Arabic, and Aramaic). Eight courses are required: Middle Egyptian I and II (EG 131, 132), Egyptian Texts (EG 133, 134), Egyptian Literature (EG 141), Egyptian Religious Literature (EG 142), as well as two 200-level language courses (Old Egyptian, Late Egyptian, Demotic or Coptic) as approved by the advisor. This program may be supplemented by courses in related languages.
2. Program in Egyptian Civilization. The program in Egyptian civilization permits specialization in Egyptian culture, including history, literature and religion in addition to language. Eight courses are required: Middle Egyptian I and II (EG 131, 132), Egyptian Texts (EG 133, 134), Egyptian History I and II (EG 143, 144), and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt (EG 120,121).
3. Program in Egyptian History. The program in Egyptian history stresses this aspect in relation to either Greek, Roman, Early Christian, Judaic, or African history. Eight courses are required: Egyptian History I and II (EG 143, 144), Middle Egyptian I and II (EG 131,132), Egyptian Texts (EG 133, 134), and two courses in Greek, Roman, Early Christian, Judaic, Ancient Near Eastern or African history. This program may be supplemented by Egyptian History III and IV (EG 145, 146).
Honors in Egyptology may be recommended by the department on the basis of a better than average academic record (particularly in Egyptology) and a senior thesis deemed acceptable for honors.
Students may repeat Egyptian Hieroglyphic Texts (EG 133) and Egyptian Hieratic Texts (EG 134) as well as a senior seminar (EG 191) for additional credit.
Page last updated in April, 2007.