GEOS 2020 - Egypt - Civilization and Geology

Explores how the regional geological and hydrological environments of Egypt have influenced both ancient and modern Egyptian civilizations. Throughout history, these varying conditions created both benefits and constraints, causing existing civilizations to either flourish, or wither and fall. The availability of stone and other building materials, each with their unique engineering properties, dictated the types of cities, temples and even style of pyramids that could be constructed. The River Nile, along with its unique hydrological regime, played a critical role in all aspects of life within this region. This course which can be taken by both geology majors and non-majors, will focus on how the geological setting of this region played a significant role in shaping the culture and history of Egypt, as it influenced the various people who lived there, from earliest times to the modern era.

The class will meet on campus during the Spring semester for 1 lecture (1 hr. 15 min.) and 1 discussion/lab section (50 min.) per week. There is also a required 2 week field trip to Egypt. The field trip portion of the course will be conducted through the Haenicke Institute for Global Studies as a “Study Abroad” program during the two week period immediately following the spring semester (first two weeks of May). Students are required to take both the classroom and field trip portions of the course. Neither portion of the course is offered as a “stand-alone” unit. Students will earn 3 credit hours (applicable to General Education Area IV: Other Cultures and Civilizations) for the completed course (classroom and field trip together).

Registration approval for the course is required from the Geosciences Department. Completed course approval can be obtained at the Geosciences Departmental Office (1183 Rood Hall). Details about the field trip, and the additional expenses required for this portion of the course, will be explained at this time. There is a non-refundable trip down-payment required at the beginning of the spring semester coursework for final registration acceptance.

Credits: 3 hours

Notes: This course satisfies Gereal Education Area IV: Other Cultures and Civilizations.