Ancient Egypt at Howard University
Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Ann Macy Roth
Department of Classics

The course in Egyptian Hieroglyphs teaches students both the hieroglyphic writing system and the Middle Egyptian language it was used to write.  Using an analytical approach, students spend much of their first year of study learning the signs themselves and the grammar of the ancient language.  Subsequent semesters are spent reading and analyzing a series of ancient Egyptian texts, chosen based on the students' interests.  Two years of study satisfy the college language requirement; five semesters of study fulfill the requirements for a minor in the Egyptian language.  The first semester is offered in the fall of every year; subsequent semesters are offered as demand requires.

Syllabus (Fall 1998)

E G Y P T I A N   H I E R O G L Y P H S

Introduction to Middle Egyptian Language and Writing

Autumn Semester 1998

005-006-01 -- T-Th 8:10 - 9:30 am -- DGH 240
Dr. Ann Macy Roth, Department of Classics
Office: Locke Hall 266; (202) 806-5221; e-mail: amroth@ix.netcom.com
Office Hours: 9:30-11; Tuesdays after 3:30 and Wednesdays by appointment

Required Course Materials:

Course textbook: James P. Allen, Middle Egyptian: An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs (Cambridge University Press, 1999). We'll be using photocopies of a textbook that will not be published until January. The first part of the book--a bit more than a semester's worth--and the reference material at the end (about 200 pages, total) will be available for photocopying at Howard Copy by Wednesday afternoon. This should be all you need first semester When the book comes out (in January or February), it will cost about $30.

You will also get some (free) handouts photocopied from other sources.

Required Coursework:

Class attendance and homework is required

You are responsible for getting notes, handouts, and info about exams from me or from your colleagues if you have to be absent. All quizzes missed must be made up. This is your responsibility

Attendance will be taken, and more than 3 absences will affect grade unless they are explained to my satisfaction and the work made up.

Quizzes at strategic intervals (usually every 3rd chapter, but announced in advance). Quizzes and exam will be Egyptian to English translation, usually partly closed book and notes, mostly open

Final exams (!): Take home exam plus in class exam on scheduled final date.

Grading:

30% class work (homework, participation)
40% quizzes
30% final (usually average of in-class and take-home finals)

Note: Incomplete grades are given only when there are compelling reasons for them, and when at least 50% of the course work has been completed.

Goals:

• Thorough understanding of the hieroglyphic writing system and its cultural context
• Familiarity with all alphabetic signs and some other signs
• Knowledge of basic Middle Egyptian Grammar: sentence patterns, basic verbal system
• Ability to translate simple monumental inscriptions
• Ability to translate simple narratives transcribed from hieratic

Future: Egyptian Hieroglyphs II, (Spring 1999)
More grammar, interspersed with readings of real Egyptian texts
Hieroglyphs III, IV, and further will be offered as independent reading courses as needed.