28775 - Egyptian Epigraphy (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

- learning the glyphs - recognising the Egyptian 'alphabet', biliteral/triliteral signs, ideograms and determinatives
- translating simple texts found on monuments and artifacts, this gives the students the opportunity of putting what they are learning into context

Course contents

1) Introduction to the hieroglyphic writing system and its monumental context
2) Introduction to the epigraphic tools and methodology
Part of the course focuses on some verbal forms and on the translation and analysis of some epigraphic texts of the Middle Kingdom.

Participation in the course is recommended only for those who have attended, or will attend in the academic year 2024-2025, the Egyptology course (12 CFU) or to those who already have basic knowledge of the ancient Egyptian language.

Readings/Bibliography

J.P. Allen, Middle Egyptian. An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs, Cambridge University Press 2014

 

Non-attending students will study the chapters 1-10, 12, 13, 17 and 18 in J.P. Allen, Middle Egyptian. An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs, Cambridge University Press 2014.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons. A few texts in hieroglyphic writing of the Middle Kingdom will be read, analyzed and commented in class.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

Oral exam, during which students will have the opportunity to demonstrate an understanding in Egyptian hieroglyphs, demonstrate an understanding in simple Egyptian grammar and demonstrate the ability to translate and analyse at least one of the epigraphic texts translated during the course.

Students who show a solid command of the Egyptian language and an equally good awareness of its grammatical aspects receive an excellent mark. Students with a lesser degree of linguistic competence receive a lower mark. Students who apply their grammatical knowledge mechanically, without showing an adequate awareness of the connections between grammar, meaning and context, who have not acquired the capacity to analyze an epigraphic text do not pass the exam.

Teaching tools

Photocopies with hieroglyphic inscriptions and powepoints.

 

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

Office hours

See the website of Marco Zecchi