Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject A: Wonderful things: an introduction to ancient Egyptian art and architecture
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37456
Module Lead	Dr Leire Olabarria
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Special Subject B: Wonderful things: an introduction to ancient Egyptian art and architecture - (09 37457)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject B: Wonderful things: an introduction to ancient Egyptian art and architecture) will allow students to engage in in-depth research and study on a topic in Classics, Byzantine Studies, Egyptology, Ancient History, or Archaeology. Working in a small group format under the guidance of the module co-ordinator, students will engage with key primary material and with research findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies associated with the module topic. The module will help students to develop and exercise advanced research skills and to learn through critique and discussion, as well as to acquire knowledge and expertise in their chosen topic. “Can you see anything?”. “Yes, wonderful things”. This exchange between Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon upon the opening of the tomb of Tutankhamun in November 1922 is only one example of a long history of encounters with ancient Egyptian art that underline a sense of wonder and aesthetic pleasure. But what was art for the ancient Egyptians? To what extent can we learn about ancient society through art? And what does it tell us about ourselves? Egyptian art is one of the most recognisable aspects of this ancient culture and it continues to fascinate the general public due to its monumentality and exceptional preservation. However, it is essential to learn how to decode it in order to understand its historical, social, political, and religious implications. In this module we will explore Egyptian art and architecture over a period spanning 4 millennia, from the Predynastic to Ptolemaic and Roman periods. We will analyse continuities and changes over this time, learning how to identify some of the key monuments and artefacts as well as popular materials and methods of artistic production. Pyramid, statues, temples, hieroglyphs, tomb decoration, principles of representation and poetry will all be covered, focusing on primary sources and with an emphasis on their archaeological and socio-historical contextualisation. In addition, there will be practical sessions using the university's archaeological collections in which we will analyse and interpret ancient objects first-hand.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: analyse and appraise key findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies relevant to the material under discussion analyse and evaluate a wide range of relevant primary source material critically evaluate the scholarly context and trends of the subject under exploration summarise and evaluate the subject material with clarity and confidence, in writing and in oral presentation
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay (50%) and 1 x 10-minute individual presentations (50%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s)
Other
Reading List