Spring 2024
MELC R1B 004 - LEC 004
Formerly Near Eastern Studies R1B
Reading and Composition in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures
Magic, Myth, and Religion in Ancient Egypt
Rachel Barnas
Jan 16, 2024 - May 03, 2024
Tu, Th
02:00 pm - 03:29 pm
Social Sciences Building 271
Class #:31453
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
0
Enrolled: 17
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 17
Waitlist Max: 5
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
9 hours of outside work hours per week, and 3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week.
Course Catalog Description
Expository writing based on analysis of selected texts or literatures in translation or writings interpreting the material culture of the ancient Near or modern Middle East. Specific topics vary with instructor. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.
Class Description
Instructor: Rachel Barnas
Representations–and misrepresentations–of ancient mythology and religion are common in modern cultures, but what were ancient practices and beliefs actually like? What roles did they play in the lives of ancient people, and how do we know? In this course, we will examine the evidence for ancient Egyptian magic, myth, and religion, and investigate what this can tell us about ancient Egyptian society as a whole. We will also examine how this evidence has come down to us over the years, and how it has been used to produce and re-produce an ever-evolving body of knowledge.
Students in this course will continue to develop their reading and research skills using a variety of primary and secondary sources on this subject. By writing and revising short essays in response to these sources throughout the semester, students will not only continue to develop their writing abilities, but hone key critical thinking skills as well.
No previous knowledge of Egyptology or the ancient Egyptian language is required. All Egyptian readings will be in translation.
Rules & Requirements
Requisites
- Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.
Credit Restrictions
Students will receive no credit for NE STUD R1B after completing NE STUD 1B.
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Requirements class fulfills
Second half of the Reading and Composition Requirement
Reserved Seats
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None