Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ARCH 252 E100

Ancient Egypt and Africa (3)

Class Number: 4626

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 4, 2025
    Thu, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Angela D'andrea
    adandrea@sfu.ca
    Office: EDU 9625
    Office Hours: Mondays 15:30-16:20

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Exploration of the major cultural developments in Africa from the origin of humankind to the rise of several ancient civilizations, with special emphasis on ancient Egypt. Students are exposed to various approaches taken by palaeoanthropologists, prehistoric archaeologists, historians and Egyptologists. Students with credit for ARCH 200 under this title may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Africa is home to many formative developments of humanity yet ironically, it has been marginalized and considered a backwater of cultural development. This course presents a critical overview of major cultural developments in Africa from the origin of humans to the rise of ancient civilisations, with emphasis on ancient Egypt. Students are exposed to various approaches taken by palaeoanthropologists, prehistoric archaeologists, historians and Egyptologists in the study of Africa.

Upper division students may register as ARCH 479 Directed Readings (Group IV) with instructor permission. Grading: Research Paper 50%; Mid-Term Exam 25%; Final Exam 25%.

Grading

  • Critical Writing Assignment (2500 words) 30%
  • Mid-Term Exam 35%
  • Final Take-Home Exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Bard, K.A. 2015. An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt. 2nd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.

Phillipson, D.W. 2005. African Archaeology. 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Ikram, S. 2010. Ancient Egypt: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.