Summer 2026 - ARCH 252 D100
Ancient Egypt and Africa (3)
Class Number: 2259
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jun 29 – Aug 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Angela D'andrea
adandrea@sfu.ca
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.
Grading
- Critical Writing Assignment (3000 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.
ISBN: 9780470673362
Phillipson, D.W. 2005. African Archaeology. 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 9780521540025
RECOMMENDED READING:
Ikram, S. 2010. Ancient Egypt: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 9780521675987
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.