ANP455: Archaeology of Ancient Egypt will introduce students to one of the most fascinating societies in human history: ancient Egypt. The class will challenge 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 will focus students’ attentions on key anthropological concepts, such as kinship, ritual, political economy, mortuary practices, and cultural contact. In addition, the class will explore 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.
OPEN ACCESS & LICENSING
This class adheres to the philosophy of open courseware and open access. As such, all course materials are open and accessible to the public. This includes all assignments (blog entries/responses, writing assignments, digital assignments.). As such, students should think of themselves as not just taking a class, but as contributing to the pool of scholarship on Egyptian archaeology. This also means that you need to think about how you want to license your work (aka. how you would like other people to be able to use your work). I would strongly urge all students to choose a Creative Commons license for each of their posts that meets with their needs.
It is very important to note any student (at any time during the semester) can opt not to have their class materials (blog posts, research article, etc.) be open access. Just talk to Ethan, and he’ll make it happen. Its equally important to note that any student who chooses to do this will not be penalized at all.
D2L
We won’t be using D2L that much during class. All of your written assignments are done online (the course blog) or handed in digitally, so there is nothing to “hand in” on D2L. Also, all of the course announcements & discussions that you might normally find on D2L happen on the course blog — which is why you will always need to keep you eye on the blog . The only real thing that we’ll be using D2L for is the class gradebook. You’ll be able to use it to see your grades (if you see something amiss with your grades, be sure to email Ethan ASAP)
BLOG
Blogs & blogging is a big part of this class. Students are going to be using a blog (this site, in fact) to do some of your class assignments (check out the Assignments & Grading section of the site for more info on that). Also, the course blog is going to be the primary way how your professor a will be communicating with you (outside of class). All class announcements, info, etc. will be posted on the blog. This means you’ll always need to keep your eye on the blog.
ASSIGNED TEXTBOOKS & READINGS
There is one required textbook for this class:
Kathryn Bard
An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2015)
You can buy the book from Amazon (its a little cheaper than buying it from the university bookstore).
In addition to the required textbook, electronic readings will be assigned throughout the semester. Some of the readings will by downloadable PDFs, some will be available through the MSU Library Electronic Resources System. Refer to the Schedule for reading assignments.
It is extremely important to remember that all readings are mandatory for the class, and must be completed. Reading assignments will be included on the semester exams.
DUE DATES & SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS
Due dates are not negotiable. All assignments are to be submitted on their specific due date (refer to weekly schedule for exact due dates) If you know ahead of time that you are going to be away from a computer with an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to submit it before the due date if you don’t want to be penalized.
Only under extreme (and documentable) circumstances will students be allowed to submit assignments after the due date without being penalized. Students who do not submit any of their assignments will be docked 15% for each 24 hour period for which it is late.
GRIEF ABSENCE
Students seeking a grief absence should be directed to the Grief Absence Request Form found on the RO home page (https://reg.msu.edu/) under ‘Student Services – Grief Absence Request Form’ OR to StuInfo (https://stuinfo.msu.edu/) under ‘Academics – Enrollment Information and Services – Grief Absence Request Form.’ Students will be asked to supply information on the nature of the loss, the date they became aware, and the expected period of absence. Once completed, the information is routed to the Assoc. Dean of the student’s college and must be received prior to the student leaving campus. The student will receive a confidential message confirming the submission and reminding them that supporting documentation must be provided and who to send it to. In addition, the appropriate dean’s office will be notified that a request has been submitted. Once the appropriate administrator has either approved or denied the request, the student will again receive a confidential message notifying them of the decision of the dean’s office. If approved, instructors will be notified by the appropriate dean’s office of the period of absence. Instructors are expected to arrange for students to make up the missed work.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
In accordance with Michigan State University’s policies on “Protection of Scholarship and Grades” and “Integrity of Scholarship and Grades,” students are expected to honor principles of truth and honesty in their academic work. Academic integrity means, amongst other things, not plagiarizing. Plagiarism includes submitting someone else’s work (words, ideas, etc.) as their own now will the knowingly permit another student to copy and submit their work. Additional discussion of academic integrity is available on the Ombudsman’s website: http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/dishonestystud.html.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Article 2.3.5 of the Academic Freedom Report (AFR) for students at Michigan State University states: “The student’s behavior in the classroom shall be conducive to the teaching and learning process for all concerned.” Article 2.3.10 of the AFR states that “The student has a right to scholarly relationships with faculty based on mutual trust and civility.” General Student Regulation 5.02 states: “No student shall . . . interfere with the functions and services of the University (for example, but not limited to, classes . . .) such that the function or service is obstructed or disrupted.
Students whose conduct adversely affects the learning environment in this classroom may be subject to disciplinary action through the Student Faculty Judiciary process.”
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Requests for accommodations by persons with disabilities may be made by contacting the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at 517-884-RCPD or on the web at rcpd.msu.edu. Once your eligibility for an accommodation has been determined, you will be issued a verified individual services accommodation (“VISA”) form. Please present this form to me at the start of the term and/or two weeks prior to the accommodation date (test, project, etc). Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.