WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15

Course title: Art and Artefacts from Ancient Egypt
Course reference:c2417627 / Tutor: John Billman
Venue: Barnes Community Association / Fee:£82.95
Start date: 14/1/15 / End date:25/3/15 / Day(s)/time(s):19:30
Number of sessions:10 / Hours per session: 2, and 2.5 for first and last session / Level: 3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any):
Awarding body (if any):
Essential materials e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student
A pen/paper is all that is required for materials
Course aims:
This course aims to provide a wide-ranging overview of both the art and the material culture of ancient Egypt. In particular it is designed to equip students with the ability to both recognise and interpret common Egyptian scenes placing both art and artefacts in an appropriate cultural context.
Course description:
This course introduces the art and artefacts of ancient Egypt demonstrating richness the civilization. Covering the entire time span, from Pre-dynastic Egypt to the Late Period, we shall examine both wall reliefs and a rich and varied selection of objects.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
There is no requirement for prior knowledge of Egyptology, however the course will be taught at level 3 and students should be comfortable with studying an academic historical subject. Any previous experience of art, archaeology, ancient history or Egyptology will of course be very valuable.
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
This course will be taught from the viewpoint of an Egyptologist rather than an artist. We will proceed chronologically from Pre-dynastic Egypt to the Late Period supporting an understanding of how Egyptian art both developed but also retained strong traditions over three millennia. A major focus of the course will be tomb and temple art, we will consider aspects of iconography, style, purpose as well as the underlying principles of Egyptian art. Consideration of a wide range of objects supplements this picture; we explore how artefacts combine with or substitute for art as well as their standalone purpose and value. We will also briefly consider more technical aspects of both materials and technology of art and manufactured objects from ancient Egypt.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used ü
Demonstration / Discussion / ü / Group work / Individual work
Project work / Research / ü(*1) / Role play / Written work
Question and answer / ü / Activity outside class time / ü(*1) / Observation / Practical work
Presentation / ü / Field trip / Other (state) *1 –Recommended but optional
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
There will no formal examinations or tests. The tutor will provide feedback on an informal on-going basis. Students will have the opportunity (but not requirement) to prepare a brief presentation during the course. In addition there will be a brief midterm review and a final review at the end of the course.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1.  Compare the art in tomb 100 from Hierakonpolis with that of an Old Kingdom tomb
2.  Describe a traditional scene that endured from at least the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom
3.  Identify at least six different artefacts from ancient Egypt
4.  Explain the proportions used in ancient Egyptian art and how they changed over time
5.  Discuss the concept of archaism in ancient Egypt providing at least one example
Reading and information sources: Is any reading/preparation essential or desirable?
Students will benefit from reading in-between classes if time allows, and in particular for those new to the subject reading an introductory work either prior to, or during, the course. There are many introductory texts to Egyptology which will be suitable, Kathryn Bard’s An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt and Gay Robin’s Art of Ancient Egypt are particularly recommended for this course. A full reading list on the period covered will be provided on week one.
A visit to the Egypt galleries in the British Museum, Petrie Museum or Ashmolean can be very valuable, and while some online resources should be treated with caution the internet contains a plethora of useful information including www.touregypt.net and http://www.osirisnet.net/ .
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
This course is designed both for standalone learning and to facilitate progression to other WEA courses and to lectures and courses run by specialist bodies such as the Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society, Friends of the Petrie Museum and Egypt Exploration Society. Students may also wish to progress to accredited courses at University College London, and elsewhere or to distance learning courses with the University of Manchester and others.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees, learning support and financial support.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses or contact London & Southern Regions Support Centre: Email: london& Tel: Freephone 0800 328 1060

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