Ancient Egypt: In Their Own Words

There is no better way to learn about a culture than by hearing what they have to say.  In this course, we will explore the world of the ancient Egyptians in their own words, through stories, poetry and other writings.  We will explore these texts with close line-by-line reading and discussion.  Students will be expected to read over the materials before each class to familiarize themselves with the texts before discussion.  As a final project, students will create their own autobiographical stela!

Week One: Introduction to the subject.  What is literature?  What does this mean in an ancient Egyptian context?  Begin Sinuhe together (no pre-reading required).
Week Two: Finish Sinuhe, discuss historical context and significance. 
Week Three: The Shipwrecked Sailor, discussion of historical context and significance 
Week Four: Introduction to wisdom literature.  Begin Maxims of Ptahhotep.  Discussion of ancient Egyptian cultural mores and how they are reflected in this text. 
Week Five: Finish Maxims of Ptahhotep.
Week Six: Ancient Egyptian poetry (Selected love poems, The Song of the Harper)
Week Seven: Selections from autobiographical stelae, discussion of final project
Week Eight: Selections from funerary texts (Book of the Dead, Pyramid Texts), discussion of how they reflect religious and class issues 
Week Nine: Satire of the Trades
Week Ten: Presentation of final projects, a final reading decided by the class.