C8877 - LINGUA E LETTERATURA DELL'ANTICO EGITTO (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired a basic knowledge of Egyptian grammar and the principles underlying hieroglyphic writing, with particular emphasis on its pictographic and monumental aspects. Additionally, the student will learn the set of stylistic conventions of ancient Egypt related to the composition of inscriptions and will be able to read and interpret hieroglyphic inscriptions found on buildings and in archaeological contexts.

Course contents

The course provides an introduction to the language and literature of ancient Egypt through the study of the hieroglyphic script, the fundamental principles of Egyptian grammar, and the reading and translation of texts in the original language. Particular attention will be devoted to the major genres of ancient Egyptian literature, including funerary, wisdom, narrative, autobiographical, and religious texts, which will be examined within their historical, cultural, and religious contexts.

 

Participation in the course is recommended only for those who have attended, or will attend in the academic year 2026-2027, 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.

During the academic year, ten examination appointments are scheduled, one every month with the exception of October and August.

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

The use of AI is prohibited in all assessments. Any use will be considered a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Photocopies with hieroglyphic inscriptions and powepoints.

The course material will be available on VIRTUALE.

 

 

Office hours

See the website of Marco Zecchi