The class challenges students to explore the origins and fluorescence of the rich cultures of Egypt, ranging from the earliest foundations of the Egyptian state in the 5th century B.C. to the splendors of Roman Egypt under the rule of Cleopatra. By exploring case studies that highlight the extraordinary archaeological heritage of ancient Egypt, the course focuses students’ attentions on key anthropological concepts, such as kinship, ritual, political economy, mortuary practices, and cultural contact. In addition, the class explores the foundations and development of Egyptian archaeology as a discipline, as well as the ways in with the interest and obsession with ancient Egypt has manifested in popular culture. [ read more ]