ARA 222 - Egypt: People, Culture and Civilization

(3 units) CO10, CO11

An introduction to the cultural life of Egypt, since the dawn of its ancient civilization, through significant historical, literary, philosophical, artistic, socioeconomic, diversity, religious, and scientific works. The customs, lifestyles and general patterns of culture of the Egyptian people in the past and present will be discussed as will different aspects of Egyptian art, music, and Egyptian dialect in the movie industry with its influence on the Middle East.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. interpret the history of Egypt as a civilization from various perspectives, have an understanding of its geography; describe the historical evolution of Egyptian religions; and evaluate the impact of past imperial experiences on the current societies.
2. identify the essential social structures of Egyptian societies; appreciate traditional Egyptian customs, art, and entertainment; demonstrate an understanding of the Egyptian culture and etiquette.
3. assess Egypt’s current sociopolitical affairs and the contemporary debate about the future of Egyptian contemporary culture(s); and evaluate its responses to modernity, especially to pressures to democratize.
4. discuss, identify and reflect on the history, customs, values, languages, religions, ethnicities, and other cultural aspects of Egypt and its people, and analyze how they compare to the US.
5. describe and analyze the perceptions, viewpoints, and life experiences of people in Egypt. Compare and contrast cultural aspects (including morals, biases, social norms, and world views) of Egypt with those of the U.S.
6. contextualize current events and experiences in relation to the historical and current context between Egypt and the US, including issues of freedom of speech, race, gender, and equality.
7. demonstrate how local and global contexts of ideas or events result in nuanced understandings of contemporary and/or historical ideas, events, or experiences.

Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information