COLLEGE OF

ARCHAEOLOGY AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE
1.

Executive Summary

The current political, social and economic events in the Middle East and Africa
have had their toll on the Cultural Heritage of the region. Many countries are
currently shifting the future economic forecast investment to the heritage sector
through developing the different regions for international, regional and local
tourism. This is opening a genuine need for well-educated leaders who can
shape the future of cultural heritage development in the region. This will shape
the philosophy of the new college of archaeology and cultural heritage in the
Arab Academy for Science and Technology. This program will cover the different
needs of the region of the Middle East. It will include four undergraduate
programs designed to cover the different history specializations; Ancient Near
East and South Arabian Peninsula, Egyptian Archaeology (Prehistory, Ancient
Egypt and Coptic History), Islamic Archaeology (Islamic history across the region
of North African and the Middle East), African Archaeology and Architectural
Conservation carried out in collaboration with the Engineering College. The
program will also start with several graduate programs that will equip
professionals with degrees to face the multiple challenges in the region;
International Law and Cultural Heritage, Cultural Heritage Management and
Economics, Museum Studies, Egyptian Archaeology, Coptic Studies and Islamic
Art and Architecture. The program will also offer different specialized programs
for professionals in the field that are intensive to acquire specialized skills;
museology, cultural heritage management, public/community archaeology,
rescue excavations, Graeco-Roman archaeology and underwater archaeology 1.

2.

Introduction

Why Aswan?
1The campus in Alexandria is equipped with all the needed facilities for the training and
the area of Abuqir is the best in the Mediterranean for training.

Aswan is a small town inhabited by a combination of Egyptians and Nubians. It

is in the Southern region of Egypt referred to as the Sa`eed which has some of
the most renowned antiquities in the world. The Arab Academy for Science,
Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt is thinking of starting a world-class
program in Archaeology/Egyptology in its new campus in Aswan near the
Southern border of Egypt. Potential students will be able to experience Egyptian
culture as well as the distinct culture of the Nubians who are also famous for
their handicrafts. The students joining the program will be in same region as the
Valley of the Kings and temples of Luxor and Karnak. Aswan is very close to the
famous temples of Edfu, Dendera and Esna. The students would also experience
the amazing climate and the constant sun worshipped by the ancient Egyptians.
Aswan has long been known as an area for healing. The world famous heart
surgeon Prof. Magdi Yacoub established a heart surgery centre in Aswan to
benefit from the region and its healing abilities. The famous religious leader the
Aga Khan of the Ismailite order was cured in Aswan. He therefore decided to live
there several months a year, and opted to be buried there followed by his wife
the Begum who was a former French beauty queen. The Aga Khan was one of
the richest men in the world as his followers weighed him against diamonds.

3.

Rationale

The rationale behind the concept of establishing a first class program in

Egyptian archaeology, cultural heritage studies and museum studies in Aswan
lies primarily in the proximity to the major cultural centres in the south of Egypt.
Furthermore, Aswan as a place is a very special part of Egypt. The scenic
cataract with its large boulders jutting out of the Nile in Aswan, with the major
monuments there related to Aswan constituting the southern border of Egypt
proper, are all factors. The quaint little town of Aswan with its white wash
houses, the famous spice market and the colourful Nubian culture, provides an
excellent landscape for studying heritage-related topics.
The Arab Academy (AASTMT) has a reputation for excellence that is well known
in Egypt and the Middle Eastern area. Its mission is to offer world class
programs in different specializations. The former programs in the Academy
tended to focus on science specializations such as Engineering and Technology.
We believe the Academy will display excellence in the field of humanities
especially since the Academy is a firm believer in the importance of cultural
heritage to nations and to humanity in general. The new proposed program will
aim at enhancing the knowledge about the ancient civilizations in the region, in
addition to offering programs in site management and museum studies which

will help us preserve what we have and disperse the knowledge about it. The
elective courses which will become available to existing students in the Arab
Academy will be quite valuable and will help enhance the knowledge in existing
fields. A course in the scientific innovations of the ancient civilisations will be
very useful for all science students. Another course in ancient art and
architecture would be extremely useful for students of architecture. The
students in the Cairo and Alexandria campuses will probably welcome the
chance to come to Aswan for short periods of time like for short term programs.

How will this program be different from other existing programs?

The difference in the program lies to a large extent in the distinguishing
characteristics of AASTMT itself. The Arab Academy has major campuses in the
mega cities of Cairo and Alexandria, in addition to campuses in Port Said and
now Aswan. The new School of Near Eastern and African Archaeology can offer
its students a unique opportunity to spend part of their programs in Cairo,
Alexandria and Aswan. Properly equipped study areas and accommodations are
available in all those campuses. The faculty in the program will consist of the
best possible local and foreign faculty, preferably award winning faculty
members, or celebrities who are famous in their fields of specialization. In
addition, a partnership with one or more distinguished institutions is likely to
attract more students since most students would probably prefer a degree
which holds the names of two major institutions, not just one. In terms of the
local market, it will be possible to attract students who feel the program of
study will offer distinguished professors, a chance to spend time in more than
one campus and a chance to do archaeological field work in sites of interest.
For foreign students in particular, the program will offer excursions to
archaeological sites and other places which reflect the modern culture of the
place such as the opera, the local markets, even a soccer match.

4.

Mission and Goals

The program aims at establishing a school or faculty for cultural heritage,

Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies in the Aswan campus. The school
may be named:
School of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
In addition to offering undergraduate programs in these fields, post graduate
programs will also be offered and short term programs in site management, the

utilization of cultural heritage to promote tourism, conservation and

preservation, courses in ancient languages, monuments and museum studies.
The main goal of the program is to establish a center in the south that will
become an attraction point for students. The aim is also to establish a regular
and digital library in the fields of cultural heritage and civilizations. As in ancient
Alexandria, the library became a centre of illumination that added to the value of
the ancient university and research centre.
The program aims at attracting the best possible faculty and students.
Graduates of the program will be sought after for their quality. If they do
museum studies, the program will arrange for them to train in museums not only
in Egypt but in international museums as well. The Smithsonian offers training
programs in museums for the staff of the Ministry of Antiquities in Egypt.
Establishing a link of them would also be beneficial for the Arab Academy
students. Students of Archaeology will be expected to have a very sound basic
knowledge of the history, art and architecture and language(s) of their
respective areas of study. They will be expected to undergo field training and to
have very good basis on the methods of conservation and stabilization of objects
of different materials such as stone, paper or wood and metals.

5.

Description of the Program

COLLEGE OF
ARCHAEOLOGY AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Undergraduate Program
CORE COURSES
RHET 101: HUMANITIES RESEARCH WRITING (3 CRDTS)
RHET 102: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH WRITING (3 CRDTS)

ARCH 101: INTRODUCTION TO WORLD ARCHAEOLOGY I (EVOLUTIONARY ORIGINS TO THE EARLIEST

STATES) (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 102: INTRODUCTION TO WORLD ARCHAEOLOGY II (EARLIEST STATES TO GLOBALIZATION) (3
CRDTS)
ARCH 201: INTRODUCTION TO EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 202: INTRODUCTION TO THE ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE SOUTH ARABIAN
PENINSULA (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 203: INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE CLASSICAL WORLD (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 204: INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 205: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC ARCHAEOLOGY (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 200: GEOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE ARCHAEOLOGY (3 CRDTS)
ARCH 300: ARCHAEOLOGY AND ETHICS
ARCH 301: THEORY OF ARCHAEOLOGY, SURVEY AND EXCAVATION (2 CRDTS)
ARCH 402: EXCAVATION AND SURVEY PRACTICUM (2 CRDTS)
HERT 101: INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL HERITAGE THEORY AND PRACTICE (3CRDTS)
HERT 102: THE POLITICS OF CULTURAL HERITAGE (3CRDTS)
HERT 201: INTRODUCTION TO MUSEUM AND EXHIBITION MANAGEMENT (3CRDTS)
HERT 202: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY
(3CRDTS)
HERT 301: APPLIED MUSEUM MANAGEMENT (3CRDTS)
HERT 302: APPLIED HERITAGE MANAGEMENT (3CRDTS)
HERT 400: CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY-BASED DEVELOPMENT (3CRDTS)
ANTH 300: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3 CRDTS)
ANTH 400: ETHNOARCHAEOLOGY AND PRACTICE IN HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION (3 CRDTS)
CHEM 100: INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL CHEMISTRY (3 CRDTS + 1 LABORATORY) (3 CRDTS)
ARCH/CHEM 200: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE ANCIENT SOCIETIES (3 CRDTS + 1 LABORATORY)
(3 CRDTS)
CHEM 300: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY I: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR DATING (3 CRDTS)
CHEM 400: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY II: CONSERVATION FOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS (3 CRDTS)
BIOL 200: BIOARCHEOLOGY: ARCHAEOBOTANY AND OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY (3 CRDTS)
DSGN 100: ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING AND SURVEY LAB (2 CRDTS)
DSGN 200: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DRAWING AND SURVEY LAB (2CRDTS)
DSGN 300: GIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY AND SURVEY (2 CRDTS)

CONCENTRATION

Egyptian Archaeology
Egyptian Archaeology is the systematic study of the history, art, architecture,
culture, literature, science and technology and religion of Ancient Egypt from the
Prehistoric Period until the Arab Conquest in 640 AD. This program will provide
students with the different critical perspectives needed to be able to actively
participate in the research, preservation and management of Egypts cultural
heritage.

Key Learning outcomes for the major:

Attain adequate knowledge of Ancient Egypt

Able to conduct proper research using the different skills learnt through
library research, museums and field work
Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of philology, excavation and
applied sciences related to the study of Ancient Egypt
Understand the challenges of the 21st Century pertaining to the Ancient
Egyptian cultural heritage in the global perspective
Develop knowledge on the site and museum management, preservation and
conservation challenges of the Ancient Egyptian Heritage
Understand the different dynamics of preserving the cultural heritage and
development for sustainable safeguard of the Ancient Egyptian culture
heritage.

Employment Opportunities

Work in international bodies like UNESCO, ICOM, ISISCO, World Bank and
others.
Pursue graduate studies and work in academia as researchers or instructors
Work as archaeologists on the different foreign missions working in Egypt
Work in the Ministry of Antiquities as archaeologists or in museums in Egypt
or abroad with Egyptian collections
Work in the tourism industry on study tours
Teach history in the different schools

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of College London, American

University in Cairo, and UC Berkeley

Potential Collaboration: Ministry of Antiquities, American Research Centre in

Egypt (ARCE), The German Archaeological Institute and The Dutch Flemish Institute
(NVIC)
EGPT
EGPT
EGPT
EGPT
EGPT
EGPT
EGPT
EGPT

301: HISTORY OF ANCIENT EGYPT I (3 CRDTS)

302: HISTORY OF ANCIENT EGYPT II (3 CRDTS)
303: ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF ANCIENT EGYPT I (3 CRDTS)
304: ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF ANCIENT EGYPT II (3 CRDTS)
305: CULTURE AND SOCIETY OF ANCIENT EGYPT (3 CRDTS)
306: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LITERATURE (3 CRDTS)
307: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE 1 (3 CRDTS)
308: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE 2 (3 CRDTS)
EGPT 401: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION AND ETHICS (3 CRDTS)
EGPT 407: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE 3 (3 CRDTS)
EGPT 408: ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE 4 (3 CRDTS)
EGPT/AFRC 409: SOCIETIES AND CULTURES OF ANCIENT NUBIA (3 CRDTS)
EGPT 411: INTRODUCTION TO COPTIC STUDIES
EGPT 410: SELECTED TOPICS IN EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY (3 CRDTS)

Ancient Near East and South Arabian

Peninsula Archaeology
The study of the Ancient Near East and the South Arabian Peninsula is the
systematic study of the history, art, architecture, culture, literature, science and
technology and religion of the area stretching North from Ancient Anatolia until
south the Indian Ocean and from East of Egypt until beyond the Tigris river in
Mesopotamia (Ancient Iraq) and Medes (Ancient Persia). Students who take this
major study this geographic region from the Prehistoric Period (Copper Age) until
the Arab Conquest. This program will provide students with the different critical
perspectives needed to be able to actively participate in the research, preservation
and management of the cultural heritage of this important region known as the
cradle of the worlds civilization.

Key Learning outcomes for the major:

Attain adequate knowledge of the Ancient Near East and the South Arabian
Peninsula
Able to conduct proper research using the different skills learnt through
library research, museums and field work
Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of philology, excavation and
applied sciences related to the study of the Ancient Near East and the South
Arabian Peninsula
Understand the challenges of the 21st Century pertaining to the Near Eastern
and South Arabian cultural heritage in the global perspective
Develop knowledge on the site and museum management, preservation and
conservation challenges of the Ancient Near Eastern and South Arabian
Heritage
Understand the different dynamics of preserving the cultural heritage and
development for sustainable safeguard of the Ancient Near Eastern and South
Arabian culture heritage.

Employment Opportunities

Work in international bodies like UNESCO, ICOM, ISISCO, World Bank and
others.
Pursue graduate studies and work in academia as researchers or instructors
Work as archaeologists on the different foreign missions and salvage projects
working in the Ancient Near East
Work in the different governmental entities in the Middle East working with
Cultural Heritage
Work in the tourism industry on study tours
Teach history in the different international schools

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of Pisa, The Free University of

Berlin, University of John Hopkins and University of Oxford

Potential Collaboration: The Union of Arab Archaeologists, New Louvre
Museum of Dubai, al-Sharqah Museum, The German Archaeological Institute,
Ministry of Culture and Heritage in Oman, Ministry of Archaeology and Tourism in
Jordan, The Saudi National Organization of Tourism and Heritage, The Iraq Ministry
of Tourism and Archaeology, Ministry of Culture in the Syrian Arab Republic, Ministry
of Culture in Yemen, The Kuwait National Board of Culture, Arts and Humanities, the
Bahrain Organization for Culture and Antiquities and the Ministry of Palestinian
Archaeology and Tourism.
ANES 301: HISTORY OF ANCIENT NEAR EAST I
ANES 302: HISTORY OF ANCIENT NEAR EAST II
ANES 401: HISTORY OF THE SOUTH ARABIAN PENINSULA I
ANES 402: HISTORY OF THE SOUTH ARABIAN PENINSULA II
ANES 303: ART OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST I
ANES 304: ART OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST II
ANES 307: ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION
ANES 308: INTRODUCTION TO ARAMAIC
ANES 309: INTRODUCTION TO AKKADIAN
ANES 400: DIPLOMACY AND CONFLICT IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND THE SOUTH ARABIAN
PENINSULA
ANES 405: RELIGIONS OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND THE SOUTH ARABIAN PENINSULA
ANES 401: INTRODUCTION TO SUMERIAN
ANES 402: INTRODUCTION TO NABATEAN
ISLM/ANES 403: THE ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH ARABIA
ANES 410: SELECTED TOPICS IN ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ARABIAN PENINSULA ARCHAEOLOGY

African Archaeology
The study of African Archaeology is the systematic study of the history, art,
architecture, culture, literature, science and technology and religion of the African
continent. The study will analyze different historical periods at different regions
depending on the cultures in each region. This program will provide students with
the different critical perspectives needed to be able to actively participate in the
research, preservation and management of the African cultural heritage. Special
focus will be given to African cultural heritage sites at risk.

Key Learning outcomes for the major:

Attain adequate knowledge of the African history and archaeology

Able to conduct proper research using the different skills learnt through
library research, museums and field work
Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of philology, excavation and
applied sciences related to the study of African Archaeology
Understand the challenges of the 21st Century pertaining to African cultural
heritage in the global perspective
Develop knowledge on the site and museum management, preservation and
conservation challenges of the African Archaeology
Understand the different dynamics of preserving the cultural heritage and
development for sustainable safeguard of African Archaeology

Employment Opportunities:

Work in international bodies like UNESCO, ICOM, ISISCO, World Bank and
others.
Pursue graduate studies and working in academia as researchers or
instructors
Work as archaeologists on the different foreign missions and salvage projects
working in Africa
Work in the different governmental entities in the African continent
Work in the tourism industry on study tours
Teach history in the different schools

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of Humboldt z Berlin, Cape

Town University, University of Algeria
Potential Collaboration: Agence Nationale d'Archologie et de Protection des
Sites et Monuments Historiques (Algeria), American Research Centre in Egypt
(ARCE), and Centre of African Studies in Cairo University, Ghana Museums and
Monuments Board, National Museum Accra, Authority for Research and
Conservation of Cultural Heritage of Ethiopia, and the Nubian Museum of Aswan.
AFRC 301: ANCIENT HISTORY OF EAST AFRICA
AFRC 302: ANCIENT HISTORY OF WEST AFRICA
AFRC 303: ANCIENT HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA
AFRC 304: ANCIENT HISTORY OF NORTH AFRICA
AFRC 305: INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT MEROETIC
AFRC 406: INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT AMAZIGH

AFRC 404:
AFRC 405:
AFRC 400:
AFRC 401:
AFRC 402:
AFRC 403:
EGPT/AFRC
AFRC 410:

INTRODUCTION TO OLD SWAHILI

INTRODUCTION TO OLD AMHARIC
THE AFRICAN INTANGIBLE HERITAGE AND ORAL TRADITION
HISTORY OF COLONIALISM IN AFRICA AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
ARCHAEOLOGY OF SLAVERY AND THE SLAVE TRADE
ROCK ART IN AFRICA
409: SOCIETIES AND CULTURES OF ANCIENT NUBIA (3 CRDTS)
SELECTED TOPICS IN AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY

Islamic Archaeology
The study of Islamic Archaeology is the systematic study of the history, art,
architecture, culture, literature, science and technology of the Islamic world. The
study will analyse different historical periods at different regions depending on the
cultures in each region. This program will provide students with the different critical
perspectives needed to be able to actively participate in the research, preservation
and management of the Islamic heritage. Special focus will be given to Islamic
cultural heritage sites at risk.

Key Learning outcomes for the major:

Attain adequate knowledge of the Islamic history and archaeology

Able to conduct proper research using the different skills learnt through
library research, museums and field work
Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of philology, excavation and
applied sciences related to the study of Islamic Archaeology
Understand the challenges of the 21st Century pertaining to the Islamic
cultural heritage in the global perspective
Develop knowledge on the site and museum management, preservation and
conservation challenges of Islamic Archaeology
Understand the different dynamics of preserving the cultural heritage and
development for sustainable safeguard of Islamic Archaeology

Employment Opportunities

Work in international bodies like UNESCO, ICOM, ISISCO, World Bank and
others.
Pursue graduate studies and working in academia as researchers or
instructors
Work as archaeologists on the different foreign missions and salvage projects
working in Islamic Heritage
Work in the different governmental entities in the Islamic World
Work in rehabilitation of Islamic urban heritage and reuse
Work on research projects in libraries and archives with Islamic manuscripts
Work in the tourism industry on study tours
Teach history in the different schools

Potential Academic Collaborators: SOAS, University of Oxford, American

University in Cairo
Potential Collaboration: Ministry of Antiquities of Egypt, The Agha Khan
Foundation
ISLM 301: HISTORY OF THE ISLAMIC CALIPHATES
ISLM 302: HISTORY OF THE ISLAMIC EMPIRES DURING THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD UNTIL THE MODERN
PERIOD
ISLM 303: ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE I: FROM ANDALUSIA TO INDONESIA

ISLM 304: ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE II: FROM ANDALUSIA TO INDONESIA
ISLM 305: ANCIENT ISLAMIC POETRY AND PROSE
ISLM 306: BIRTH OF MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND RISE OF THE ARAB CALIPHATES
ISLM 307: THE ARABIC CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ISLM 401: HISTORY OF ISLAMIC SPAIN AND NORTH AFRICA
ISLM 402: THE ART OF BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS
ISLM 440: THEOLOGY, SUFISM AND PHILOSOPHY IN ISLAM
ISLM 420: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC CERAMICS
ISLM/ANES 403: THE ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE OF SOUTH ARABIA
ISLM 404: THE ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF THE CITY OF CAIRO (OFFERED IN THE SUMMER SEMESTER IN
CAIRO)
ISLM 410: SELECTED TOPICS IN ISLAMIC ARCHAEOLOGY

Contemporary Archaeology
This new discipline is currently the state of art in teaching heritage globally.
Contemporary archaeology will provide students with a proper study of the history,
art, music, literature, architecture, industry, fashion, design, and agriculture of this
phase. This major will create new calibers in the region who can properly document
the material culture of the past 200 years of the Middle East. This is the first
specialization of the type in the Middle East after its inception in the United
Kingdom.

Key Learning outcomes for the major:

Attain adequate knowledge of the contemporary history of the Middle East

Able to conduct proper research using the different skills learnt through
library research, museums, state archives and field work.
Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of philology, excavation and
applied sciences related to the study of Contemporary Archaeology
Understand the challenges of the 21st Century pertaining to the Islamic
cultural heritage in the global perspective
Develop knowledge on the site and museum management, preservation and
conservation challenges of Contemporary Archaeology
Understand the different dynamics of preserving the cultural heritage and
development for sustainable safeguard of Contemporary Archaeology

Employment Opportunities

Pursue graduate studies and working in academia as researchers or

instructors
Work as archaeologists who excavate and document the history of this period
Work in the different governmental entities that preserve the heritage of the
19th and 20th Century
Work in rehabilitation of contemporary urban heritage and reuse
Work for cinematographic reconstruction of this important historical period
Work in private museums and family collections
Work in the tourism industry on study tours
Teach history in the different schools

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of Southampton,

Potential Collaboration: Ministry of Antiquities, Urban Harmony Division in
the Ministry of Culture in Egypt,
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
CNTP
EAST
CNTP

301:
302:
303:
304:
305:
401:
402:
403:
404:
405:
406:
440:

HISTORY OF THE CONTEMPORARY MIDDLE EAST I

HISTORY OF THE CONTEMPORARY MIDDLE EAST II
ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE CONTEMPORARY MIDDLE EAST I
ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE CONTEMPORARY MIDDLE EAST II
LITERATURE MOVEMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST POST 1800
HISTORY OF THE INDUSTRIAL MIDDLE EAST
HISTORY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FARMING IN THE CONTEMPORARY MIDDLE EAST
THE URBAN HERITAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST CITIES
FROM MOHAMED ALI TO NASSER: THE EGYPTIAN STATE REFORM
THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
HISTORY OF DESIGN IN THE MIDDLE EAST
IMPERIALISM, COLONIALISM, POST-COLONIALISM AND IDENTITY FORMATION IN THE MIDDLE

499: CONFLICT ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND HERITAGE POLITICS

Maritime Archaeology
The study of Maritime Archaeology is the systematic study of Ancient Sea Fearing in
the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. It will not only provide students with
theoretical grounding of the discipline and proper site analysis of ports and coastal
settlements, but also will give students ample practical formation using the facilities
of the maritime in the Arab Academy for Science and Technology campus in Abu Qir
in Alexandria. Students will also study the evolution of the construction of ships and
boats from Ancient Egyptian papyrus boats until Omani dhows as well as medieval
and contemporary shipwrecks. Attention to the preservation of this heritage and its
management is also part of the core of this major.

Key Learning Outcomes for the major:

Attain adequate knowledge of the maritime history

Able to conduct proper research using the different skills learnt through
library research, museums, state archives and field work.
Acquire theoretical and applied knowledge of philology, excavation and
applied sciences related to the study of Contemporary Archaeology
Understand the challenges of the 21st Century pertaining to the Islamic
cultural heritage in the global perspective
Develop knowledge on the site and museum management, preservation and
conservation challenges of Contemporary Archaeology
Understand the different dynamics of preserving the cultural heritage and
development for sustainable safeguard of Contemporary Archaeology

Employment Opportunities

Work in international bodies like UNESCO, ICOM, ISISCO, World Bank and
others.

Pursue graduate studies and working in academia as researchers or

instructors
Work as maritime archaeologists in foreign missions who excavate, document
and protect this heritage
Work in the different governmental entities that preserve and study the
maritime archaeology of the Middle East
Work in the tourism industry on cultural dives
Teach history in the different schools

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of Alexandria, University of

Bournemouth, University of Oxford, University of Exeter, University of
Southampton and University of Sassari.
Potential Collaboration: Centre of Alexandrian Studies, The Egyptian
Chamber of Diving, Ministry of Antiquities, Ministry of Environment,
MRTM 301:
MRTM 302:
MRTM 303:
MRTM 304:
MRTM 305:
NEAR EAST
MRTM 306:
MRTM 400:
MRTM 401:
MRTM 402:
MRTM 403:
MRTM 404:
MRTM 499:

HISTORY OF SEAFARING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN I

HISTORY OF SEAFARING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN II
HISTORY OF SEAFARING IN THE RED SEA AND INDIAN OCEAN I
HISTORY OF SEAFARING IN THE RED SEA AND INDIAN OCEAN II
SEAFARING IN ANCIENT ART REPRESENTATION ACROSS MEDITERRANEAN AND THE ANCIENT
ANCIENT LITERATURE OF SEA FARING
BOATS AND SHIPS ENGINEERING ACROSS THE ANCIENT MIDDLE EAST AND MEDITERRANEAN
COSTAL ARCHAEOLOGY: PORTS AND TRADE CENTERS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PRACTICUM I
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PRACTICUM II
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PRACTICUM III
SELECTED TOPICS IN MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY

Graduate Program
MA of Egyptian Archaeology
This program is designed for scholars who have a background in Egyptology,
Archaeology, Tourism, or Ancient History. Those coming from other
backgrounds can take a few undergraduate courses as pre-requisites to the
MA. The degree will provide advanced knowledge on the philology and
archaeology of Ancient Egypt. Students are also encouraged to take courses
from other master degrees that better suit their thesis. There will be different
tracks depending on the courses taken such as philology, archaeology and
interpretation, cultural heritage management, and digital Egyptian
archaeology. The degree is formed of taught courses, practical field work or
museum placement and a thesis.
Key Learning outcomes for the major:

Attain professional knowledge of Ancient Egypt

Able to publish academic papers in the discipline with international

standards
Develop a thesis using state of the art knowledge and technology
Have solid fieldwork experience and knowledge
Develop a clear career path in the field of Egyptian Archaeology

Employment Opportunities

Work as researchers on the different academic projects of Egyptian

archaeology
Work as a field archaeologist in Egyptian Archaeology on the different
foreign missions working in Egypt
Work in the Ministry of Antiquities as archaeologists or in museums in
Egypt or abroad with Egyptian collections
Teach undergraduate level courses in university
Pursue a doctorate degree

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of College London,

American University in Cairo, and UC Berekely
Potential Collaboration: Ministry of Antiquities, American Research Centre
in Egypt (ARCE), The German Archaeological Institute and The Dutch Flemish
Institute (NVIC)
RHET 500: GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS
EGPT 501: CULTURE AND SOCIETY OF ANCIENT EGYPT
EGPT 502: GRAECO-ROMAN EGYPT
EGPT 503: THE DAWN OF EGYPTOLOGY, COLONIALISM AND EGYPTOMANIA
EGPT 504: EGYPT AND AFROCENTRISM
EGPT 505: ADVANCED ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LITERATURE
EGPT 506: SITE AND OBJECT INTERPRETATION IN THE EGYPTIAN CONTEXT
EGPT 507: OLD AND LATE EGYPTIAN
EGPT 508: HIERATIC
EGPT 509: DEMOTIC
EGPT 510: FIELDWORK
EGPT 511: THESIS
EGPT 599: SELECTED TOPICS IN EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY

Museum Studies
This program is opened to professional from the different backgrounds who
are interested in a career in museums and exhibitions. Students might have
to take undergraduate courses as pre-requisites to the masters degree
depending on their previous studies. The program provides both academic
and professional experience in the different aspects of museology through
critical analysis of the role of museums in the 21st century. Students are
encouraged to take courses from the different other programs that better fits
their thesis and future plans. The program is divided into course work, a
practicum and a thesis.
Key Learning Outcomes for the MA:
Attain professional knowledge all the different aspects of museum work
Develop museum management skills
Acquire the full experience of working and running a museum
Able to publish academically for museums
Develop a clear path in your career in museum studies
Employment Opportunities
Work in the different museums in the world
Work with the different temporary exhibition halls
Work on research projects in museums
Work in private companies that are specialized in museum displays
Work in private museums and collections
Potential Academic Collaborators: University College of London,
University of Washington, University of Bath spa, Norwich University of Arts,
and Marist College: Institute of Lorenzo di Medici.
Potential Collaboration: International Committee of Museums (ICOM),
UNESCO, Ministry of Antiquities (Museum of Elephantine), Grand Egyptian
Museum (GEM), National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC), Museum of
Aswan, The Paul Getty Institute, New Louvre Museum of Dubai, The British
Museum, Turin Museum, The Agriculture Museum in Cairo, Cairo Museum,
Coptic Museum in Cairo, Islamic Museum in Cairo, The Ethnographic
Museum, Islamic Ceramics, and The Children Museum in Cairo
RHET 500: GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS
MSUM 501: HISTORY OF MUSEOLOGY
MSUM 502: THE MUSEUM: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES
MSUM 503: ADVANCED PUBLIC/COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY
MSUM 504: COLLECTION MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS
MSUM 505: INVENTORY, DOCUMENTATION AND RESEARCH
MSUM 506: OBJECTS INTERPRETATION: DISPLAY, EXHIBITS AND EXHIBITIONS
MSUM 507: THE ROLE OF MUSEUMS IN EDUCATION
MSUM 508: THE MUSEUM VISITOR: CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MUSEUM ACCESSIBILITY

MSUM
MSUM
MSUM
MSUM

509:
510:
511:
599:

MUSEUM MANAGEMENT
MUSEUM PRACTICUM
THESIS
SELECTED TOPICS IN MUSEUM STUDIES

Coptic Archaeology
This program is opened for scholars coming from different backgrounds.
Those who do not have a background in archaeology or history will have to
take a few courses as pre-requisites. The program studies the historic period
of Egypt from the Late Antique Period until the present times. Students will
study the history, art, architecture, costumes, liturgy and language of the
Coptic Tradition. The program will be divided into courses, practicum and a
thesis.
Key Learning Outcomes for the MA:
Attain professional knowledge of the Coptic Heritage
Able to publish academic papers in the discipline with international
standards
Develop a thesis using state of the art knowledge and technology
Have solid fieldwork experience and knowledge
Develop a clear career path in the field of Coptic Archaeology
Employment Opportunities:

Work as researchers on the different academic projects of Coptic

archaeology
Work as a field archaeologist in Coptic Archaeology on the different
foreign missions working in Egypt
Work in the Ministry of Antiquities as archaeologists or in museums in
Egypt or abroad with Coptic collections
Teach undergraduate level courses in university
Pursue a doctorate degree

Potential Academic Collaborators: Macquarie University, New York

University (Institute for the study of the Ancient World), University of
Mnster, and University of Oxford.
Potential Collaboration: The Coptic Church, Centre for Coptic Heritage in
Stevenage UK, The Coptic Heritage Preservation NGO,
RHET
COPT
COPT
COPT
COPT

500:
501:
502:
503:
504:

GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS

EGYPT IN THE LATE ANTIQUE PERIOD
COPTIC ICONOGRAPHY, ART AND ARCHITECTURE
MONASTICISM AND THE DESERT FOREFATHERS
HISTORY OF THE COPTIC PATRIARCHS

COPT
COPT
COPT
COPT
COPT
COPT
COPT
COPT

505:
506:
507:
508:
509:
510:
511:
599:

COPTIC ARCHAEOLOGY AND SITE INTERPRETATION

THE LIVING HERITAGE OF THE COPTIC CHURCH
COPTIC LANGUAGE
ADVANCED READING OF COPTIC RELIGIONS AND NON-RELIGIOUS TEXTS
CHRISTIAN NUBIA
FIELDWORK
THESIS
SELECTED TOPICS IN COPTIC STUDIES

Islamic Art and Architecture

This program is opened for students from archaeology, history and
architecture backgrounds. Other students from related disciplines can pursue
the degree after taking the adequate pre-requisites. This program focuses on
the Islamic art and architecture through the different historical periods.
Students are encouraged to take courses from related disciplines that better
suit their thesis and future plans. The program will be divided into courses,
practicum and a thesis.
Key Learning Outcomes for the MA:

Attain professional knowledge of the Islamic Art and Architecture

Able to publish academic papers in the discipline with international
standards
Develop a thesis using state of the art knowledge and technology
Have solid fieldwork experience and knowledge
Develop a clear career path in the field of Islamic Art and Architecture

Employment Opportunities:

Work in the numerous conservation projects of Islamic

architecture
Work in related excavations and documentation projects
Work in projects related to urban planning of historical cities
Work in various research projects related to the Islamic Heritage
Pursue a doctorate degree

Potential Academic Collaborators: SOAS, University of Oxford, American

University in Cairo
Potential Collaboration: Ministry of Antiquities of Egypt, The Agha Khan
Foundation
RHET 500: GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS
ISLM 501: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE HISTORY OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD
ISLM 502: ADVANCED ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE
ISLM 503: THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE ISLAMIC WORLD AND EUROPE
ISLM 504: ADVANCED ISLAMIC ARCHAEOLOGY
ISLM 505: ADVANCED ISLAMIC MANUSCRIPTS
ISLM 506: REUSE OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN UNIQUENESS OF MIDDLE EASTERN CITIES
ISLM 507: ADVANCED READING IN ANCIENT ISLAMIC LITERATURE
ISLM 508: ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE SILK ROAD
ISLM 509: ADVANCED ISLAMIC CERAMICS
ISLM 510: FIELDWORK
ISLM 511: THESIS
ISLM 599: SELECTED TOPICS IN ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE

International Cultural Heritage Law

This program is available for law students or related degrees. It will provide
the students with all the necessary formation to become legal advocates of
the cultural heritage. Students will learn effectively the different laws and
legislations that equip them in their future vocations. They will also be
subjected to the different critical issues of heritage ownership, illicit digging
and conflict situations. The program will be divided into courses, practicum
and a thesis.
Key Learning Outcomes of the MA:
Attain professional knowledge of the International Cultural Heritage
Law
Able to publish academic papers in the discipline with international
standards
Develop a thesis using state of the art knowledge and technology
Have solid legal knowledge of Cultural Heritage and international
conventions
Acquire a background on the different conflicts of world heritage
Employment Opportunities:

Work for ministries of foreign affairs who deal directly with repatriation
Work for ministries of antiquities and culture on repatriation
Work in private firms that provide consultancy work on the matter
Work in international boards that aim at heritage protection such as
UNESCO, and ICOM
Work for libraries and archives

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of Caduzo in New York,

University College of London, La Sapienza, University of Heidelberg, London
School of Economics, University of Warwich
Potential Collaboration: ICCROM, UNESCO, ICOM, ISISCO, State
Department CPAC, International Law Association
RHET 500: GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS
CHLW 501: OVERVIEW OF CULTURAL HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL, REGIONAL AND LOCAL LEGISLATION
CHLW 502: CULTURAL PROPERTY AND ARMED CONFLICT
CHLW 503: THE ART MARKET: ETHICAL AND LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVES
CHLW 504: THE ILLICIT DIGGING AND TRAFFICKING OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
CHLW 505: WHOSE PAST? CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF HERITAGE OWNERSHIP
CHLW 506: INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE PROTECTION
CHLW 508: RESTITUTION AND SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES OF CULTURAL PROPERTY: LEGAL PROCEDURES
CHLW 509: CRIMINOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE THEFTS
CHLW 510: INTERNSHIP

CHLW 511: THESIS

CHLW 599: SELECTED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE LAW

Cultural Heritage Management and

Economics
This program is opened for students from different disciplines provided they
take a limited number of pre-requisite courses. Students from archaeology,
history, management and economics are encouraged to apply. This masters
degree is highly geared towards the management of archaeological site
through the different critical dynamics of accessibility, social history, and
education. The program as well has a strong focus on economic development
through cultural heritage for sustainability. Students are encouraged to take
courses from other disciplines within the collage to better fit their thesis and
future plans. The program will be divided into courses, practicum and a
thesis.
Key Learning Outcomes of the MA:
Attain professional management skills in cultural heritage
Able to publish academic papers in the discipline with international
standards
Develop a thesis using state of the art knowledge and technology
Have solid knowledge of Cultural Heritage management and economic
development
Acquire a background on the different dynamics of sustainable
development of sites of heritage value
Employment Opportunities:

Work in the private sector dealing with cultural heritage industry and
investment
Work for international entities such as the World Bank, UNDP and
UNESCO
Work for NGOs working on poverty alleviation in areas of cultural
heritage value
Work in the different departments of the public sector concerned
Start-up an investment project in the field of cultural heritage
Pursue a doctorate degree

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of SDA Bocconi in Milano,

University of IMT Lucca, University of Durham, University of Kent with
University of Athens,
Potential Collaboration: World Bank, UNESCO, UNDP, USAID, EU
Commission in Cairo, Local NGOs such as Kunoz Nubian for development
through Cultural Heritage

RHET 500: GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS

HERT 501: CULTURE AND ARTS: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PUBLIC POLICY
HERT 502: URBAN HERITAGE AND ECONOMY OF UNIQUENESS
HERT 503: PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY AND COMMUNITY-BASED DEVELOPMENT
HERT 504: CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
HERT 505: TOURISM MANAGEMENT AND HERITAGE ECONOMICS
HERT 506: THE INTANGIBLE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HERT 507: THE ART AND CRAFTS ECONOMICS AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
HERT 508: CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
HERT 509: CULTURAL HERITAGE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT
HERT 510: INTERNSHIP
HERT 511: THESIS
HERT 599: SELECTED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE LAW

Space Archaeology: Remote Sensing, GIS and

3D modelling
This program is opened for students with backgrounds in archaeology,
architecture, history or surveying. Others interested in the program will need
to take the needed pre-requisites. This program aims at providing students
with the state-of-the-art technology in the field of cultural heritage. This
includes remote sensing, Geographic Information System, Satellite Imagery
usage, and 3D modelling. This program will be a novelty in Egypt and the
Middle East region and will be highly needed in application of different
disciplines. The program will have a multi-disciplinary approach and students
are encouraged to take courses from other disciplines to better fit their
thesis and future research. The program will be divided into courses,
practicum and a thesis.
Key Learning Outcomes of the MA:
Attain professional mapping skills, remote sensing and 3D scanning
Able to publish academic papers in the discipline with international
standards
Develop a thesis using state of the art knowledge and technology
Have solid technical and theoretical knowledge of spatial analysis in
cultural heritage
Apply the technical knowledge to the theoretical framework
Employment Opportunities:

Work in all mapping projects of cultural heritage

Work in urban planning of sites of heritage value
Work in the documentation projects of objects in museums and
magazines using 3D technology

Work in digital heritage companies such as factum arte

Work in the public sector such as in the ministry of antiquities, culture
and heritage
Pursue a doctorate degree

Potential Academic Collaborators: University of UCL, University of

Cambridge,
Potential Collaboration: China Archaeological Council (CAC); already
interested in funding the technological laboratory, ESRI, CNR of Pisa, and
CNR of Montelibretti in Rome.
RHET 500: GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING SKILLS
SRGS 501: REMOTE SENSING IN ARCHAEOLOGY
SRGS 502: GIS APPLICATIONS: HISTORIC GEOGRAPHY AND LANDSCAPE RECONSTRUCTION
SRGS 503: GIS APPLICATIONS: HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
SRGS 504: ADVANCED THEORY OF SURVEY AND MAPPING
SRGS 505: DATABASE CONSTRUCTION FOR REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
SRGS 506: DIGITAL HERITAGE, 3D MODELLING AND DOCUMENTATION
SRGS 507: REMOTE SENSING AND SATELLITE IMAGERY IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
SRGS 508: ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY
SRGS 509: 3D MODELLING AND CONSERVATION APPLICATIONS
SRGS 510: PRACTICUM
SRGS 511: THESIS
SRGS 599: SELECTED TOPICS IN SPACE ARCHAEOLOGY

Specialized Programs
Cultural Heritage Management
Key Learning Outcomes:
HERT
HERT
HERT
HERT

501:
502:
503:
504:

CULTURE AND ARTS: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PUBLIC POLICY

URBAN HERITAGE AND ECONOMY OF UNIQUENESS
PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY AND COMMUNITY-BASED DEVELOPMENT
CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Museology: Management and Exhibition

Key Learning Outcomes:
MSUM
MSUM
MSUM
MSUM

504:
505:
506:
509:

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS

INVENTORY, DOCUMENTATION AND RESEARCH
OBJECTS INTERPRETATION: DISPLAY, EXHIBITS AND EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM MANAGEMENT

Community/Public Archaeology
Key Learning Outcomes:

HERT 202: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY

(3CRDTS)
HERT 400: CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY-BASED DEVELOPMENT (3CRDTS)
MSUM 503: ADVANCED PUBLIC/COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY
MSUM 508: THE MUSEUM VISITOR: CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MUSEUM ACCESSIBILITY

Maritime Archaeology
Key Learning Outcomes:
MRTM
MRTM
MRTM
MRTM

400: BRIEF HISTORY OF SEAFARING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN/RED SEA/INDIAN OCEAN

401: COSTAL ARCHAEOLOGY: PORTS AND TRADE CENTERS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
402: UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PRACTICUM I
403: UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY PRACTICUM II

Salvage/Rescue Archaeology
Key Learning Outcomes:
ARCH 301: THEORY OF ARCHAEOLOGY, SURVEY AND EXCAVATION (2 CRDTS)
ARCH 402: EXCAVATION AND SURVEY PRACTICUM (2 CRDTS)
RESC 500: RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
RESC 501: PRACTICUM: RESCUE EXCAVATION AND DOCUMENTATION

Field school: Excavation Survey

Key Learning Outcomes:
ARCH 301: THEORY OF ARCHAEOLOGY, SURVEY AND EXCAVATION (2 CRDTS)
ARCH 402: EXCAVATION AND SURVEY PRACTICUM (2 CRDTS)
DSGN 300: GIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY AND SURVEY (2 CRDTS)
ARCH 500: FIELD SCHOOL

Heritage Technologies
Key Learning Outcomes:
SRGS
SRGS
SRGS
SRGS

501:
503:
505:
506:

6.

REMOTE SENSING IN ARCHAEOLOGY

GIS APPLICATIONS: HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
DATABASE CONSTRUCTION FOR REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
DIGITAL HERITAGE, 3D MODELLING AND DOCUMENTATION

Demand for the Program

In order to establish a world class program, the Arab Academy plans on

securing the best possible faculty members with well-known records. The
plan is also to get the best possible students especially for the degree
programs. The short term programs that will be offered may cater to a
wide variety of students who may also be professionals who work in
governmental or non-governmental organizations which deal with cultural
heritage.
In the past few years several programs have been introduced with similar
characteristics. There is now a governmental Faculty of Archaeology in

Aswan University. There is also another Faculty in Qena, and by next year
(Academic Year 2016/2017), there will be a Faculty or Archaeology in
Luxor.
As for the countries in the region, the Emirates, Oman and Qatar have
become extremely interested in Cultural Heritage in recent years,
particularly with future prospects of findings alternatives to petroleum.
They are now highlighting and restudying their own cultural heritage, in
addition to establishing museums of replicas in order to educate their
own people in human cultural heritage through museum pedagogy. As
for the African countries, countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Eretria
are now undergoing a major change where they are investing in their
people, particularly women. In recent international conferences in
different specializations, it became apparent that the governments of
several African countries sent very large delegations of women,
sometimes over thirty women that whose expenses they covered in
cooperation with their private sector, so the women could attend the
conferences. A new awareness is now also making its way through the
UN organizations speaking about the environment and tangible and
intangible heritage, so many African countries are now trying to
concentrate on their own cultural heritage whereas in the past it was left
to Western countries primarily European countries and the USA, to
investigate and study the culture of other countries who contributed
greatly to humanity.

7.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Regarding career opportunities, graduates of these programs can either

work in museums, or teach in either schools or universities. They may
also work in museums and archaeological sites which are considered open
air museums, as well as governmental and non-governmental
organizations dealing with cultural heritage. In order to ensure that our
graduates have excellent career opportunities, we have to get the best
possible faculty and students. Languages are also a major asset for
graduates of any program. Reading knowledge of French and German

should be offered in the program. Italian is also of major interest in the

field of archaeology and should be offered at least as an elective.
As for short term programs, the professionals who may be taking some of
these programs will gain experience in specialized areas and may
enhance their career, or shift interests within the same work place.

8.
Comparable programs in other
Universities
At present there are similar programs on the local, regional and international
level.
On the local level, there are several faculties in Egyptian governmental universities
which offer programs in the fields of Egyptian and Near Eastern Archaeology and
Antiquities, tourism, and there is an Institute of African Studies which is part of Cairo
University and is very similar in structure to a faculty. Those all offer undergraduate
and graduate programs in Arabic. At one point Ain Shams University in Cairo
offered an Egyptian Archaeology program in French language in cooperation with
the French Cultural Institute and French Embassy in Egypt. It is no longer offered.
As for the private sector, most private institutions in Egypt aiming at profit prefer to
offer programs in the field of tourism rather than archaeology since tourism will
traditionally provide jobs which offer higher salaries. Misr University for Science and
Technology in 6th of October city in Giza (MUST), also has a program which offers a
degree in the specialization of the Archaeology of the Arab Peninsula.
On the international level, the most prestigious universities in the world have
archaeology programs. Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Liverpool and University
College, London, all have very good programs. In France, the Sorbonne and
University of Lyons have excellent programs. Germany has several prestigious
programs particularly the programs in Berlin, Gottingen, Munich and Bonn. Belgium
also has several prestigious programs despite being a small country. Those are
among the countries traditionally most interested in this field of study. Other
countries are now studying archaeology quite avidly including Denmark, Japan,
Chine, and the Czech Republic.

9.

Potential Collaboration

Currently, there is an initial intent agreement with UC Berkeley department of

Near Eastern Studies to form an academic partnership with our program. The
terms are yet to be decided in terms of exchange, accreditation and joint

collaboration. This will provide our students a good chance for studying abroad
and provides the students from UC Berkeley a good opportunity for fieldwork and
exchange.
There is an initial agreement with the Beijing Women Federation and China

Archaeological Center for exchange in the field of cultural heritage technology.

Another prospects are University of Bocconi in Milano and IMT Lucca in the fields

of cultural heritage management and economics.

An official visit was carried out for the American cultural attach and an MOU is
currently being drafted for collaborative efforts with the embassy and the USAID.

10.

Resources Required

The programme will require a place with a number of classrooms with educational
facilities, such as white boards or smart boards, computer projector facilities and air
conditioners due to the hot weather in Aswan.

Library
As for the library, it should have a spacious area and a computer server to
catalogue the collection, in addition to serving as a place to store a large number of
digital monographs and periodicals. Fundraising for the library will start immediately
and the US embassy has showed interest in partial funding of the library.

Exhibition Area
An exhibition area is needed for the different projects of the graduate and
undergraduate students of the program. The area can also host external exhibits carried
in conjunction with the museums of Aswan.

Archaeological Concession
Right at the edge of the new building construction in Aswan, lies an archaeological site.
The Ministry of Antiquities has proposed this site to be the concession for the new
college since it is right at the foot edge of the students. It is on the way to Philae
temple, and has not been properly investigated.

Laboratories:
Archaeometry:

An archaeometric laboratory is needed, where students can

learn all the necessary analytical chemistry basics. The more advanced training courses
of dating and conservation can be through placement in the Grand Egyptian Museum,
the National Museum of Civilisation or the IFAO.

Bioarchaeology: A simple laboratory for bioarchaeology will include all

the needed equipment for archaeobotany and osteoarchaeology in terms of
microscopes, sieves, storage and others.
Technology: This laboratory will have the needed remote sensing
equipment, Geographic Information System (GIS) computers, scanners and printers, and
3D scanners and printers. These will be carried out in conjunction with the China
Archaeological Center and the 3D laboratory of the CNR of Rome in Montelibretti.
Fundraising and International Relations Unit
This unit will be responsible for all the international relations of the new college and will
also work on finding funding and writing applications for the different projects the
department will do locally, regionally and internationally.

Career, Training and Job Placement Unit

This unit will take care of the practical training of the different students in the different
cultural heritage segments. It will also work on helping the graduates find jobs locally,
regionally and internationally. It will also help with the faculty members write adequate
recommendation letters for the different students depending on the different training
and job opportunities.

11.

Financial Prospects

This new college is planned to become the consultation cluster for services in
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage locally, regionally and internationally. It will provide
expert opinion on the various projects and team up with different local, regional and
international bodies. The college will also provide training through external funding to
the different governmental entities in Egypt, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula on the
state-of-the-art topics in cultural heritage. The college will seek continuous scholarships
from the African Bank to support the study of African students in the undergraduate and
graduate programs. The rest of the financial gains will be through regular students
admissions, who will graduate with a different set of skills different from those in most
of the other universities in Egypt and the region. These set of skills will enable them to
work in various sectors related to cultural heritage as well as on different creative startups that the excellence cluster will help with. This will create a large market share for
the program in comparison to all the others that teach archaeology and cultural
heritage.

12.

Strategic Plan

YEAR
2016-2017

2017
SPRING 2017
FALL 2017
SPRING 2018
FALL 2018
SPRING 2019
FALL 2019
FALL 2020
SUMMER 2021

13.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITY
Offer elective courses on archaeology and cultural heritage to
students in all academic departments in Aswan, Cairo, Alexandria
and Portsaid
Start Training courses for the Ministry of Antiquities in Aswan,
Cairo, Alexandria and Portsaid
Start the first two MA programs in Cultural Heritage Management
and Economics and International Cultural Property Law
Start the Undergraduate Program in Aswan Freshman Students
Start the Second two MA programs in Space Archaeology and
Museum Studies
Sophomore Students
Start the Final MA programs in Egyptian, Islamic and Coptic
Archaeology
Junior Students
Senior Year Students
Graduation of the BA First Class of Archaeology and Cultural
Heritage

Advisory Boards

14. Appendix A: List of similar programs in

Egyptian Universities
. Most respectably universities abroad tend to have Egyptology and Coptology
programs, whereas most Egyptian universities do not have Coptic Studies.
. In terms of Egyptology programs or programs in Ancient Egyptian Archaeology,
the Egyptian universities that have such as a program are:
Greater Cairo:1
-Cairo University (Faculty of Archaeology, no tourism or Coptic Studies. They
started a French program to teach Egyptian Archaeology and a French program
to teach restoration and conservation of antiquities under the directorship of
Prof. Dr. Ola al Aguizy. When I asked her it turned out the French Embassy had
been funding this program in other faculties of Cairo University such as Law).
-Ain Shams University (Dept. in Faculty of Arts, they have Egyptian Archaeology,
Tourism and Coptic Studies, all as departments. They have a program where
they teach Tourist Guiding in French).
-Helwan University (Dept. of Egyptian Archaeology actually located in Helwan,
oldest and most famous Faculty of Tourism and Hotels is located in Garden City,
Cairo. They have programs whereby they teach the actual subjects such as
antiquities and history in three main languages: English, French and German.
When I studied there they taught in Arabic and gave one subject with technical
terms in the language one will use in guiding).
Lower Egypt:
-Alexandria University (Dept. of History and Archaeology in the Faculty of Artsfamous for their Greco Roman Archaeology although they have Egyptian
Antiquities as well, Faculty of Tourism, newly established post-graduate program
in Coptic Studies-they established a new High Institute for Coptic Studies).
-Damanhour University (Dept. of Greco Roman Archaeology and Studies
established in 2007).
-Tanta University (Dept. of Egyptian Antiquities, Faculty of Arts, and Dept. of
Greco Roman Archaeology).
-Kafr el Sheikh University (Dept. of Antiquities, Faculty of Arts which extends
from Pharaonic Times through Greco Roman and Byzantine and Islamic
Antiquities).

-Mansoura University (Dept. of Egyptian Archaeology in the Faculty of Arts,

Faculty of Tourism, and no Coptic Studies).
-Zagazig University has a High Institute for Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations
only for post-graduate studies. There are rumours that Zagazig University is
presently in the process of applying to establish a Faculty of Archaeology.
-Damietta University was using the curriculum of the Dept. of Egyptian
Archaeology in Mansoura in their own Faculty of Arts. They are presently
considering establishing a new Faculty of Archaeology but have not applied yet.
-Port Said has established a Faculty of Arts and will apparently have a
Department of Archaeology.
-Menoufia University, Sadat Branch (They have a Faculty of Tourism and Hotels).
-(New) Marsa Matrouh will establish a Faculty of Archaeology with Pharaonic,
Islamic and Graeco-Roman, but nonRestoration/Conservation.
Upper Egypt:
-Minia University (Dept. of Archaeology/Antiquities, different divisions in the
Faculty of Arts. Egyptology Program. In the Faculty of Tourism in Minia they have
an English program).
-Sohag University (about to establish a Faculty of Archaeology instead of a
department. A high committee went there in September 2015 and said the
space, facilities and available faculty are enough to establish a program so they
just got approved. They do not have a Greco Roman Division).
-Southern Valley University (Faculty of Archaeology in Luxor. Faculty of
Archaeology in Aswan (new in March 2016) which is now part of the independent
Aswan University)
-Aswan University (Faculty of Archaeology in Aswan, new in March 2016, which is
now part of the independent Aswan University).

Tourism Institutes:
There are several privately owned institutes in different cities.
-Cairo: EGOTH branch, Masaken Sheraton Institute, Moqattam Institute,
University of 6th October City, Batran Institute in Mariuteyya)
Public: Faculty of Tourism and Hotels in Helwan and Ain Shams Universities.
None in Cairo University which is a weird thing

-Alexandria: High Institute of Hotels Mariut. EGOTH High Institute for Tourism
also has a branch in Alexandria. They use languages in teaching.
Public: Faculty of Tourism, Alexandria University
-Luxor: EGOTH High Institute of Tourism and Hotels
-So basically we have fourteen governmental universities, three of them in Upper
Egypt offering programs in archaeology and eight in Lower Egypt, not including
Greater Cairo which has three major governmental universities. We have a few
private programs in Egyptology and Coptic Studies at the American University in
Cairo and MUST (Misr University for Science and Technology in 6h October City)
which also has a tourism program, and a unique program in archaeology of the
Arab Peninsula funded by the Arabs.

Suggestions:
-To establish our target students. If we are aiming for an international market we
should have an Archaeology Program in English. AUC and Amideast both had
successful Egyptology programs where they advertised a program with courses
in Egyptology, Middle East Politics, Arabic and a cultural component with
frequent excursions inside and outside of Cairo to archaeological sites, diving,
the opera and sufi performances, and they even advertised the African Soccer
Cup and took all the students in Amideast a few years ago as part of the unique
cultural experience of everything Egyptian from fava beans to falafel and
koshary.
. The Egyptology program could either offer a minor of about five courses, or
offer elective courses to students in different specializations or majors. In case
of a major in Egyptology, the Arab Academy could formulate its own unique
curriculum with courses in archaeology, history, open museum studies, ancient
Egyptian language (Hieroglyphics, Hieratic, Demotic and Coptic), archaeological
site management and cultural heritage. To begin with, I would recommend
offering a minor and electives to attract international students from different
specializations.
-If we are aiming at the local market, then a combined program in Archaeology
and Tourism would work better, and it should have an Arabic curriculum.
However, most will probably aim at the Tourist Guiding program for its economic
benefits after graduation.