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 (EGYT 1910) 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 (EGYT 1310, 1320), Egyptian Texts (EGYT 1330, 1340), Egyptian Literature (EGYT 1410), Egyptian Religious Literature (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, 1340), Egyptian History I and II (EGYT 1430, 1440), and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt (EGYT 1200,1210).
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, 1340), 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).
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 (EGYT 1330) and Egyptian Hieratic Texts (EGYT 1340) as well as a senior seminar (EGYT 1910) for additional credit.
Page last updated in February, 2008.