Egyptian Archaeology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The educational objective of the course is to develop knowledge of all aspects of Egyptian archeology, from the history of discoveries to current methodologies and to provide the student with the basic skills necessary for intervention in the field. The student will also be introduced to the methodology of archaeological research in Egypt, with the presentation of specific case-studies. The most important archaeological discoveries made in Egypt since the 19th century will be presented, in addition to the most recent or ongoing ones. Particular attention will be paid to the archaeological activities in Egypt of the University of Milan. It will also present the history of the formation of Egyptological collections, with the problems related to it, through the documentation preserved in the Egyptology Archives of the University of Milan, with practical exercises (a part of the course is provided in English).
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge - At the end of the course the student will acquire a thorough knowledge of the main Egyptian archaeological sites and monuments, the history of discoveries and the field research methodology applied in Egypt.
Skills - At the end of the course the student will develop a thorough competence in the use of the bibliographical tools and of the technical lexicon used in Egyptology; competence in the application of basic rules for archaeological excavations in Egypt; critical skills in the interpretation of documents and archaeological evidence; ability to distinguish between preconceived ideas and results deriving from scientific research; awareness of the content and usefulness for the research of the Egyptological archives and the history of the discipline.
Skills - At the end of the course the student will develop a thorough competence in the use of the bibliographical tools and of the technical lexicon used in Egyptology; competence in the application of basic rules for archaeological excavations in Egypt; critical skills in the interpretation of documents and archaeological evidence; ability to distinguish between preconceived ideas and results deriving from scientific research; awareness of the content and usefulness for the research of the Egyptological archives and the history of the discipline.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course consists in the deepening of the Egyptological discipline. It deals with specific aspects of Egyptian archaeology, with particular attention to archaeological methodology, the history of discoveries and the latest results of field research. In the part A students will be introduced to the methodology of archaeological research, with the presentation of specific case-studies. The part B will present the most recent archaeological discoveries in the area of Aswan, from Prehistory to the Roman Age, with particular attention to the activities of the Mission of the University of Milan (EIMAWA: Egyptian-Italian Mission at West Aswan). The part C (in English) will present the great archaeological discoveries in Egypt and the history of the formation of Egyptological collections through the documentation preserved in the Egyptology Archives of the University of Milan, with practical exercises.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must have successfully taken an Egyptology examination, therefore having acquired a basic knowledge of the archaeology, history and culture of Pharaonic Egypt.
Teaching methods
The parts A and B consist of:
- Lectures accompanied by images and videos, so that the student can associate archaeological and textual data with historical and cultural ones, and learn more about archaeological sites and the most recent discoveries made in Egypt. Much attention will be paid to the excavation methodology. Copyright-free images will be provided to students at the end of each teaching unit via the ARIEL platform. Some copyright-free essays will also be uploaded on ARIEL. Through the images and explanations provided during classes, the student can arrive, also with the help of the volumes indicated in the bibliography and specific essays reported during the course, to a thorough knowledge of Egyptian archaeology and of the most recent discoveries in Egypt, including those of the University of Milan in Aswan. Students who have successfully followed this course will eventually be selected, at the end of their studies, to participate in the archaeological mission in Aswan.
- Students will be assigned a specific theme to be explored, either in groups or individually and with the help of the teacher. The research carried out must be summarized in a powerpoint, including texts and images, which will be illustrated by the student in the classroom during the last week of the course.
- Some lessons will be held at the Library of Egyptology, so that the student learns to know and use the main tools for Egyptological research.
The teaching unit C is held in English. It consists of lectures and practical exercises. These will be carried out at the Egyptology Archives of the University of Milan, so that the student can directly view unpublished materials and realize how they should be stored, digitized and studied.
Course attendance is strongly recommended.
- Lectures accompanied by images and videos, so that the student can associate archaeological and textual data with historical and cultural ones, and learn more about archaeological sites and the most recent discoveries made in Egypt. Much attention will be paid to the excavation methodology. Copyright-free images will be provided to students at the end of each teaching unit via the ARIEL platform. Some copyright-free essays will also be uploaded on ARIEL. Through the images and explanations provided during classes, the student can arrive, also with the help of the volumes indicated in the bibliography and specific essays reported during the course, to a thorough knowledge of Egyptian archaeology and of the most recent discoveries in Egypt, including those of the University of Milan in Aswan. Students who have successfully followed this course will eventually be selected, at the end of their studies, to participate in the archaeological mission in Aswan.
- Students will be assigned a specific theme to be explored, either in groups or individually and with the help of the teacher. The research carried out must be summarized in a powerpoint, including texts and images, which will be illustrated by the student in the classroom during the last week of the course.
- Some lessons will be held at the Library of Egyptology, so that the student learns to know and use the main tools for Egyptological research.
The teaching unit C is held in English. It consists of lectures and practical exercises. These will be carried out at the Egyptology Archives of the University of Milan, so that the student can directly view unpublished materials and realize how they should be stored, digitized and studied.
Course attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS)
- Personal notes from the classes.
- Specific essays mentioned during the classes or on ARIEL.
P. PIACENTINI, M. POZZI BATTAGLIA, Egittologia: Un'introduzione, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2023.
- R. DE SPENS, Lezioni di epigrafia geroglifica, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2021.
- For more information (not mandatory): IAN SHAW, Exploring Ancient Egypt, Oxford 2003 (or later editions).
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS)
- Personal notes from the classes.
- Specific essays mentioned during the classes.
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS)
- Personal notes from the classes.
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From the Sand to the Library. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2010 (Chapters II, III and IV).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From Conservation to Enjoyment. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2011 (Chapters I and II).
Bibliography for students who cannot attend the classes
To obtain 9 credits:
- P. PIACENTINI, M. POZZI BATTAGLIA, Egittologia: un'introduzione, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2023.
- R. DE SPENS, Lezioni di epigrafia geroglifica, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2021.
- IAN SHAW, Exploring Ancient Egypt, Oxford 2003, Oxford University Press (o edizioni successive).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From the Sand to the Library. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2010 (Chapters II, III and IV).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From Conservation to Enjoyment. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2011 (Chapters I and II).
- THREE essays chosen by the student among those published in the journal EDAL: Egyptian and Egyptological Documents Archives Libraries VI, Milano, Pontremoli Editore.
(EDAL can be purchased at a discounted price, by students who can provide their UNIMI inscription number, through the website of Pontremoli publisher: http://www.libreriapontremoli.it or going directly to the bookstore of the Pontremoli publisher in Milano).
To obtain 6 credits:
- P. PIACENTINI, M. POZZI, Egittologia: un'introduzione, Milano, Le Monnier Università, in press.
- R. DE SPENS, Lezioni di epigrafia geroglifica, Milano, Le Monnier Università, 2021.
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From the Sand to the Library. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2010 (Chapters III and IV).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From Conservation to Enjoyment. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2011 (Chapters I e II).
- THREE essays chosen by the student among those published in the journal EDAL: Egyptian and Egyptological Documents Archives Libraries VI (2017), Milano, Pontremoli Editore.
(EDAL can be purchased at a discounted price, by students who can provide their UNIMI inscription number, through the website of Pontremoli publisher: http://www.libreriapontremoli.it or going directly to the bookstore of the Pontremoli publisher in Milano).
- Personal notes from the classes.
- Specific essays mentioned during the classes or on ARIEL.
P. PIACENTINI, M. POZZI BATTAGLIA, Egittologia: Un'introduzione, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2023.
- R. DE SPENS, Lezioni di epigrafia geroglifica, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2021.
- For more information (not mandatory): IAN SHAW, Exploring Ancient Egypt, Oxford 2003 (or later editions).
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS)
- Personal notes from the classes.
- Specific essays mentioned during the classes.
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS)
- Personal notes from the classes.
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From the Sand to the Library. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2010 (Chapters II, III and IV).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From Conservation to Enjoyment. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2011 (Chapters I and II).
Bibliography for students who cannot attend the classes
To obtain 9 credits:
- P. PIACENTINI, M. POZZI BATTAGLIA, Egittologia: un'introduzione, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2023.
- R. DE SPENS, Lezioni di epigrafia geroglifica, Milano, Le Monnier Università / Mondadori Education, 2021.
- IAN SHAW, Exploring Ancient Egypt, Oxford 2003, Oxford University Press (o edizioni successive).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From the Sand to the Library. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2010 (Chapters II, III and IV).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From Conservation to Enjoyment. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2011 (Chapters I and II).
- THREE essays chosen by the student among those published in the journal EDAL: Egyptian and Egyptological Documents Archives Libraries VI, Milano, Pontremoli Editore.
(EDAL can be purchased at a discounted price, by students who can provide their UNIMI inscription number, through the website of Pontremoli publisher: http://www.libreriapontremoli.it or going directly to the bookstore of the Pontremoli publisher in Milano).
To obtain 6 credits:
- P. PIACENTINI, M. POZZI, Egittologia: un'introduzione, Milano, Le Monnier Università, in press.
- R. DE SPENS, Lezioni di epigrafia geroglifica, Milano, Le Monnier Università, 2021.
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From the Sand to the Library. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2010 (Chapters III and IV).
- P. PIACENTINI (ed.), Egypt and the Pharaohs. From Conservation to Enjoyment. Pharaonic Egypt in the Archives and Library of the Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano-SKIRA, 2011 (Chapters I e II).
- THREE essays chosen by the student among those published in the journal EDAL: Egyptian and Egyptological Documents Archives Libraries VI (2017), Milano, Pontremoli Editore.
(EDAL can be purchased at a discounted price, by students who can provide their UNIMI inscription number, through the website of Pontremoli publisher: http://www.libreriapontremoli.it or going directly to the bookstore of the Pontremoli publisher in Milano).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student's expected learning outcomes are ascertained through an oral exam. The exam consists of an interview on the topics of the program, aimed at ascertaining a thorough knowledge of the history of Egyptian archeology, of the main and most recent discoveries, as well as of the different methodologies applied to excavation in the different Egyptian archaeological contexts. A good knowledge of the Egyptological Archives of the University of Milan is also required. During the interview, images of monuments, archaeological sites, archival materials (shown during the classes or in the Archives during the course, or present in the volumes in the bibliography) will be presented to the student. He has to be able to recognize and contextualize them.
Evaluation parameters will be: ability to present the acquired knowledge in a clear and exhaustive way; capacity for critical reasoning on the study carried out; quality of exposure; competence in the use of specialized vocabulary; ability to prepare and present in the classroom through powerpoint a research on a specific topic agreed with the teacher (this last aspect for attending students).
The vote is expressed in thirtieths (minimum 18, maximum 30/30 cum laude).
The student can follow the parts A and B or A and C to obtain 6 credits (the introductory part A is mandatory). Instead, the student must follow parts A (20 hours, 3 ECTS), B (20 hours, 3 ECTS) and C t(20 hours, 3 ECTS) o earn 9 credits.
It is not possible to obtain only 3 credits (following a single part).
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Evaluation parameters will be: ability to present the acquired knowledge in a clear and exhaustive way; capacity for critical reasoning on the study carried out; quality of exposure; competence in the use of specialized vocabulary; ability to prepare and present in the classroom through powerpoint a research on a specific topic agreed with the teacher (this last aspect for attending students).
The vote is expressed in thirtieths (minimum 18, maximum 30/30 cum laude).
The student can follow the parts A and B or A and C to obtain 6 credits (the introductory part A is mandatory). Instead, the student must follow parts A (20 hours, 3 ECTS), B (20 hours, 3 ECTS) and C t(20 hours, 3 ECTS) o earn 9 credits.
It is not possible to obtain only 3 credits (following a single part).
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Unita' didattica A
L-OR/02 - EGYPTOLOGY AND COPTIC CIVILIZATION - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-OR/02 - EGYPTOLOGY AND COPTIC CIVILIZATION - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-OR/02 - EGYPTOLOGY AND COPTIC CIVILIZATION - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 11am-13am, Thursday 11am-12am, on appointment by e-mail
Office (Library of Egyptology)