Hands-on History
This winter, students explored Egypt hands-on through two courses that had them navigating historic sites across the country, from museums, monuments and the pyramids to Old Cairo, Giza and Luxor.
The experiential learning courses, Selected Topics for the Core Curriculum and Special Topics on Egypt, included field visits, guest lectures and interactive activities. The students emerged with a deeper appreciation for Egypt as one of the world’s ancient civilizations.
In the Core Curriculum course, classes were held at different museums across Cairo, including the Coptic Museum, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Museum of Islamic Art. Students engaged in scavenger hunts, wood and pottery workshops, role play, podcasts - and even curated a digital museum - to delve into Egypt's history.
With Special Topics on Egypt, students visited historic, architectural and artistic monuments in Saqqara, Giza, Old and Medieval Cairo, as well as Luxor, delving into the emergence of the Pharaonic state in Egypt's Nile Valley and extending to modern times.
Taysseer Tamer
"I initially decided to take this course because I am an architecture major taking a heritage design studio next semester. I thought this course could give me a head start. It certainly did not disappoint. In fact, the course exceeded my expectations. I could not have asked for a better way to learn about old Islamic Cairo than by actually visiting the place! Along with Dr. Hoda's guidance and enriching insights, I was able to master the course content, and this class was both enriching and enchanting.” - Taysseer Tamer
Maya Raafat
“What a delightful experience it has been partaking in this course as an engineering student who is extremely passionate about the historical, political and cultural background of her country. Beyond being academically enriching, this class provided an opportunity for hands-on experience and immersion that transcends far beyond textbooks, a major motivator behind my choice for an Arab Studies course. With Professor Hoda El Saadi’s guidance and through participating in daily field trips to museums, vivid palaces and exhibits, I have gained much knowledge seeing the monuments commemorating Egypt’s significant events and national treasures.
The daily class discussions made it the perfect choice for kinesthetic learners who visualize through real-life examples. What truly made this an exceptional experience were the friendships that blossomed along the way between AUC and Ohio’s Oberlin students, brought together by a shared passion for history, exploring these sights together and bonding over the experience (and Egyptian food, of course!). With the aid of AUC's Rare Books and Special Collections Library and the numerous visits, Cairo became our classroom, a living testament to millennia of eras and culture creating an experience that instilled in me a profound appreciation for my history as an Egyptian. I couldn’t have picked a better way to spend my winter semester at AUC!” - Maya Raafat
Mariam Hassan
“This course was one of the most informative that I have taken, and it was truly a rewarding experience for me. I chose this class in particular for two main reasons. First, I lived and studied abroad, visiting Egypt occasionally. I was only able to watch the museums and Egyptian historical sites through TV and social media. Therefore, I found it a great opportunity to take this course to discover Egypt and its rich culture through field trips. Being able to physically engage with ancient sites and artifacts provides me with a deeper connection to the history of the country. Second, I’m studying graphic design, and I took some theoretical classes recently that focused on Arabic calligraphy and historical Islamic manuscripts. This course gave me the chance to see real Islamic manuscripts at the Islamic Museum.
Meeting Oberlin students who contributed different viewpoints to the course was motivating and enhanced my learning experience. What also made this course special was the dynamic teaching methods of its professors, Dr. Hoda and Dr. Zeinab, who brought the past to life with their passion and expertise in the history of Egypt. Through the discussions that we had after each visit, I was able to get comprehensive insight into the social and political factors that shaped Egypt's history.” - Mariam Hassan
Omar Hagras
"I chose this course because of its primary focus on active learning instead of the traditional lecturing style of teaching. Going right to the monuments we study in the morning makes it 10 times more eye-opening and engaging, as I can easily relate what was explained in class to what I have seen in real life.
What I found most valuable was the whole experience of weaving into a new group dynamic with people who think and act differently than you. The shift in perspective after the journey we had together as a family makes me appreciate our diversity, which was a catalyst for growth, sparked creativity, and fostered a sense of unity that transcended our individual backgrounds." - Omar Hagras
Amr Keshta
