Art of Ancient Egypt and the Ancient Near East (saylor.org)

It is divided into two units that chronologically focus on the art, architecture, and archaeology of each region. The first unit examines Ancient Egyptian tombs, monuments, and art from the Early Dynastic (c. 3100-2650 BCE) through the Roman (30 BCE- 4thcentury CE) periods. The second unit focuses on Ancient Near Eastern artistic and architectural traditions from the late Neolithic (c. 9500-4500 BCE) through the conquest of the Achaemenid Persian Empire (550-330 BCE) by Alexander the Great.

After completing this course, you will be able to identify the major characteristics of Egyptian and Near Eastern art and architecture, more specifically what types of objects and buildings were made and used by Egyptians and Ancient Near Eastern peoples. You will also learn how ancient artifacts and monuments in particular, as well as art objects in general, can be used to understand larger political, cultural, religious, and economic structures.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

- Identify major ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern architectural sites, monuments, and works of art.

- Identify the general characteristics of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern art and recognize the names and characteristics of the major art historical time periods of each region.

- Describe how art and architecture can be used to understand the politics, history, and culture of Ancient Egypt and the Near East.

- Explain ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern cosmology, conceptions of the afterlife, and kingship, as well as their relationship to architectural sites, monuments, and works of art.

Course Requirements: Have completed Art Appreciation and Techniques, Introduction to Western Art History—Pre-Historic to High Gothic, and Introduction to Western Art History—Proto-Renaissance to Contemporary Art.