Sample Course Outline

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  an overview of the physical environment of ancient Egypt, including the geographic location, and the nature of the environment and its influence on the society
  
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  a brief overview of predynastic Egypt including the shift from nomadic lifestyle to the advent of farming, domestication of animals and political alignment of towns/villages
  
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  concept of ma’at (Order vs Chaos; ma’at representing justice and stability)
  
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  mapping activity – major sites and geographical features (including duality of Two Lands of Upper and Lower Egypt, plus Red Land and Black Land, the Faiyum and wadis)
  
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  availability of resources during the Old Kingdom (for example, the Eastern Desert’s importance for access to stone and minerals and Nubia for access to gold)
  
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  significance of the wadis as early trade routes – access into Sinai, Palestine, the Red Sea, for example Wadi Hamamat
  
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  overview of chronological context – timeline of predynastic, early dynastic and Old Kingdom periods
  
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  sources of evidence and problems associated with dating pharaonic rule (rival king lists)
  

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  Chronology, terms and concepts
  
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  Analysis and use of sources
  

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  the main social hierarchies – Pharaoh and royal court, nobility, scribes, expert craftsmen and farmers
  
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  structure of the royal court – Pharaoh’s major and lesser wives, vizier
  
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  concept of the god-king, development of royal titulary
  
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  limitations of evidence relating to everyday life
  

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  the key features of religion/s, key state gods such as Osiris (consider Osirian mythology) and Horus
  
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  unique nature of Egyptian religious beliefs such as evolution of prominent gods (concept of syncretism)
  
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  the role and function of key religious institutions (cult centres, such as Heliopolis in Fifth Dynasty) and religious positions (role and influence of priesthood)
  
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  beliefs underlying burial practices from pit graves to mastaba, significance of grave goods, Cult of the Dead
  
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  creation myths and influence on tomb architecture (ben-ben stone)
  

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  the key features of political organisation – extensive political powers of the pharaoh, role of provincial nomarchs, influence of priesthood on political system at this time
  
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  unification of Egypt – roles of individual kings (Scorpion Macehead and Narmer Palette, evidence of increased war-like activity at this time)
  
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  continued political rivalry between Upper and Lower Egypt in early dynastic era
  

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  the nature and importance of economic activity – agriculture, trade and building programs
  
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  the organisation of corvee system for pyramid construction
  
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  economic exchange, for example, evidence of trade and taxation
  

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  Chronology, terms and concepts
  
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  Analysis and use of sources
  

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  the significant events and developments of the time-period, the causes of these events and developments, their impact; and the key individuals of the time-period, their role, motivations, contributions and legacy:
  

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  evolution of pyramid shape from mastaba to true pyramid
  
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  Sneferu’s three pyramids
  
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  architectural developments of pyramid building, such as corbelled ceiling, staircases
  
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  features of the pyramid complex, such as satellite pyramids, causeway, mortuary temple, funerary boats
  

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  evidence for the decline of quality, construction and materials used in pyramids; changing economic circumstances
  
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  changing roles of the god-king; rising power of nomarchs
  
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  rise of solar cult as reflected in development of sun temples
  
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  economic and political power of Heliopolitan priesthood as a potential threat to pharaonic power
  
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  features of sun temples (sacrificial altars, basins – Niuserre’s sun temple)
  
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  emergence of pyramid texts and significance of this – developing religious beliefs
  
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  famine stelae of Unas (Fifth Dynasty) as evidence of decline in economic conditions
  
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  other signs of change in state organisation
  
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  tomb biographies of Sixth Dynasty officials – Weni and one other, such as Harkhuf
  
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  major reasons for and evidence of collapse of the Old Kingdom – consider environmental, political, religious and economic factors
  

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  Chronology, terms and concepts
  
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  Analysis and use of sources
  
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  Perspectives and interpretations
  
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  Explanation and communication
  

Investigate one of the following significant features employing an historical inquiry process and the Historical Skills.

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  art in Old Kingdom Egypt
  
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  role, status and importance of Royal women in Old Kingdom Egypt
  
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  the family in Old Kingdom Egypt
  
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  the military in Old Kingdom Egypt
  
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  beliefs, rituals, and festivals in Old Kingdom Egypt
  

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  Chronology, terms and concepts
  
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  Historical questions and research
  
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  Analysis and use of sources
  
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  Perspectives and interpretations
  
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  Explanation and communication