HÆGB0104FU ÆGY, Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs 1 (F27)

Volume 2026/2027
Education

Bacheloruddannelsen i mellemøstens sprog og samfund (ægyptologi), 2026-ordningen

Content

This course is an introduction to the ancient Egyptian language and script, and consists of a set of lectures that introduces the hieroglyphic writing system and the basic grammar of the Egyptian language. This is complemented by an outline of the basic syntax of Middle Egyptian which will enable students to translate simple sentences. In addition to lectures the course consists of individual preparation of material for class (for example translation exercises), which we then go through together, and this provides students with hands-on experience in working with hieroglyphic texts from ancient Egypt.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, students should be able to demonstrate:

 

Knowledge and understanding of

  • the Middle Egyptian writing system (hieroglyphs)
  • the basic grammar of Middle Egyptian
  • basic grammatical and syntactical terminology in Danish and English.

 

Skills in 

  • produce and present transliteration and translation of, and grammatical commentary on, ancient Egyptian texts
  • use digital tools til work on hieroglyphic texts, including online dictionaries like the Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae and different databases (cf. Digital videnskabelig informationssøgning og Teknologisk forståelse)
  • find, orient themselves in, and use relevant scientific literature for hieroglyphic texts (transcriptions), translations and discussions; cf. Digital videnskabelig informationssøgning.

 

Competencies in 

  • translating simple Middle Egypian text passages into Danish/English
  • perform basic grammatical analysis (word classes, verb forms and conjugation, syntax, etc.)
  • explain and apply translational principles
  • reflect on how one can work scientifically with translation from ancient Egyptian into a modern language.

Available in the course room in Absalon.

Lectures and seminars where we work on exercises and read text passages.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 84
  • Preparation
  • 325,5
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Total
  • 412,5
Oral
Individual
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
On-site written exam, 3 hours under invigilation
Type of assessment details
Group exam regulations: The exam can only be taken individually.
Exam language: English.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed (see description below)

The use of hieroglyphic sign lists and dictionaries is permitted.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome