Colloquium 258 - From Cairo to Paris: Cross-Cultural Exchanges between Egypt and France in the Nineteenth Century

This course will explore issues related to the cross-cultural contacts between France and Egypt from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. Napoléon Bonaparte’s failed military campaign in Egypt and Syria (1798-1801) launched a wave of interest in ancient Egyptian civilization, art and culture which spread throughout Europe and beyond. Conversely, the nineteenth century witnessed the emergence of a new Egyptian nation under the formal authority of the Ottoman Empire. Archeology became the site of intense commercial and scientific exchanges and/or conflicts, and a flashpoint in the definition of new national identities along racial and cultural lines. This tutorial will involve archival research at the Mead Art Museum and literature review as well as detailed analyses of literary and artistic works (novels, poems, memoirs, prints, photographs, architectural plans). The fields involved will be literature, history, archeology, architectural studies and art history. No prior knowledge of the topic necessary. 

Taught in English but ability to read French a plus.  As a final project for the class, the students will prepare an exhibition of works drawn from the Egyptian collection at the Mead Art Museum and write an exhibition catalogue.  

This course is part of a tutorial series that engages Amherst students in substantive research with faculty in the humanities and humanistic social sciences.

Open to Amherst College sophomores and juniors interested in research. Limited to 7 students. 

Spring Semester 2026. Professor Katsaros.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority given to JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES interested in research methods and interdisciplinary approaches as well as FRENCH MAJORS

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, independent research, visual analysis, literary analysis, collaborative learning.