ANCIENT ART: TOMBS AND TREASURES

Required Text

Robins, G. (2008). The Art of Ancient Egypt, (Revised ed ed.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard
University Press. ISBN: 9780674030657

Course Description

This course examines the art and architecture of one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations. This
course is a study of the visual arts of ancient Egypt and related areas during the period from
approximately 4000 B.C. to 30 B.C.

The courses purpose is not to make you a specialist in this field, but it will introduce you to a number of
the important issues and topics related to the splendors of the ancient Egyptian world. What did art,
and the architecture that housed it, mean to the ancient Egyptians? Why did they invest such vast
wealth and effort in its production? These are the puzzles we will explore as we examine the objects of
Egyptian artthe tombs and wall paintings, sculpture, coffins, amulets and more. It is anticipated that
this course will help you develop the capability for further learning in the arts throughout your life.

Course Objectives

Classify the characteristics of painting and sculpture art forms to specific Dynasties in Ancient
Egypt.
Identify how Egyptian religious beliefs are reflected in works of art and architecture.
Discuss the importance of funerary art in Egyptian art and architecture.
Describe the types of structures built in ancient Egypt and explain their functions.
Discuss the materials, styles and techniques of Egyptian art works.
Explain the development and use of the Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system.
Identify how cultural relationships were symbolized in art forms.

Tentative Schedule

Week Assignments
Week 1 "Understanding
Ancient Egyptian art and its
Origins"
Week 2 "The Old Kingdom: First
Flowering and a Golden Age"
Week 3 "The First Intermediate
Period & Middle Kingdom
(Diversity in the funerary arts)"
Week 4 "Dawn of the New
Kingdom"
Week 5 "The Empire of the
New Kingdom"
Reading
Lecture "Understanding Egypt"
Lecture "Principles of Egyptian Art"
Lecture "The Early Dynastic Period"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Introductions"
Quiz
Reading
Lecture "Old Kingdom I Part 1"
Lecture "Old Kingdom I Part 2"
Lecture "The Old Kingdom II Part 1"
Lecture "The Old Kingdom II Part 2"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Conventions"
Quiz
Reading
Lecture "First Intermediate Period"
Lecture "The Middle Kingdom I"
Lecture "The Middle Kingdom II"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Styles"
Quiz
Reading
Lecture "The New Kingdom I"
Lecture "The New Kingdom II"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Temple Features"
Assignment "Evolution of Architecture"
Quiz
Reading
Lecture "The Great Heresy"
Lecture "Tutankhamun"
Lecture "The New Kingdom III"
Lecture "Abu Simbel"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Deities"
Quiz
 Week 6 "New Directions" Reading
Lecture "Fragmentation"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Animals and Deities"
Quiz

Week 7 "Looking to the Past" Reading

Lecture "Late Period"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Burial Art"
Quiz

Week 8 "The Final Flowering" Reading

Lecture "Late Period II and Ptolemaic"
Lecture "Dendera"
Lecture "The Temple of Horus at Edfu"
Lecture "Temple of Isis at Philae"
Lecture "Study Guide"
Discussion "Roman Influence"
Assignment "Final"
Quiz
Work must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the date due.

Grading Policy

Item Value

Discussions 40%
Quizzes 40%

Assignments 10%

Final Project 10%

Total 100%

Expected Student Workload

The following table outlines the academic effort required by students to be successful in this course.
While the times in the table are approximate, it is presented to help students with their time
management. Please note, depending on the student's background knowledge and experience of the
course subject and an individual student's academic capabilities, these times will vary. If you have any
questions or concerns, please direct them to your instructor or student advisor.
Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours
Required
1 Online Readings/Lectures 4.1
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 1.0
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 2.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
2 Online Readings/Lectures 5.0
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 1.4
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 2.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
3 Online Readings/Lectures 4.5
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 1.5
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 2.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
4 Online Readings/Lectures 5.5
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 1.0
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 9.5
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
5 Online Readings/Lectures 10.2
Discussions 3.0
 Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 3.0
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 2.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
6 Online Readings/Lectures 2.9
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 0.9
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 2.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
7 Online Readings/Lectures 1.5
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 1.0
Preparation Readings 0.7
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 2.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0

Week Type of Activity Activity Estimated Hours

Required
8 Online Readings/Lectures 5.9
Discussions 3.0
Assignments 3.0
Preparation Readings 0.7
Discussions 2.0
Assignments 5.0
Clinical/Lab Hours 0.0
Click here to access institutional policies and procedures.