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 and culture (eight courses). Depending on grades and departmental approval, a senior seminar (EGYT 1910) that results in a senior thesis may be takne for honors. In addition to the core courses, others may 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 (EGYT 1310, 1320), Egyptian Texts (EGYT 1330, 1340), Egyptian Literature (EGYT 1410), Ancient Egyptian Religion and Magic (EGYT 1420), as well as two 2000-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 (EGYT 1310, 1320), Egyptian Texts (EGYT 1330), Egyptian History I and II (EGYT 1430, 1440), Ancient Egyptian Religion and Magic (EGYT 1420), and two courses in Archaeology of Ancient Egypt (ARCH 0150 and one elective).
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 (EGYT 1430, 1440), Middle Egyptian I and II (EGYT 1310,1320), Egyptian Texts (EGYT 1330), Ancient Egyptian Religion and Magic (EGYT 1420), 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 (EGYT 1450, 1460).
It is possible for students to receive the A.B. in Egyptology with departmental honors. For this purpose, students will need to write a senior honors thesis according to the following criteria and procedure.
1. Accumulate a 3.5 grade point average by the end of the junior year.
2. At the beginning of the senior year, consult with the department's undergraduate advisor. If the advisor agress that a senior honors thesis can be undertaken, the student must obtain the agreement of two faculty members (at least one from the department) to serve as readers, and the approval of the department chair.
3. During the first semester of the senior year, prepare a detailed outline of the thesis, with accompanying bibliography, in consultation with both readers. This should result in a thesis plan approved by both readers before the end of the semester.
4. In the second semester of the senior year, register for a Senior Seminar. This will normally involve meetings with the first reader twice a month, and with the second reader monthly, to discuss researching and writing the thesis.
5. Finish writing the thesis before the end of classes in the semester. As a rule of thumb, the thesis should be no more than 100 pages in length, including bibliography.
6. At a half-hour session during the exam period, give a short presentation and defense of the thesis to both readers and any other faculty or students who wish to attend.
Page last updated in February, 2009.