“Indulging in Fantasy Keeps the Mind Creative”: Prof. Stacy Davidson,

"'Indulging in Fantasy Keeps the Mind Creative': Using Science Fiction to Enhance Creativity in Student Engagement with Ancient Egyptian Primary Texts" was presented by Prof. Stacy Davidson at #MOEgypt5: New Directions in Teaching Ancient Egypt and Nubia on Saturday, 21 Oct 2023.
Science fiction utilizes many of the same elements that students struggle with in regards to ancient Egyptian literature including unfamiliar names, lifeways, and cultural beliefs. Multi-dimensional science fiction characters are often considered more relatable than more static descriptions found in ancient primary texts. Through a comparison of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s enigmatic rogue and fan favorite Garak with the ancient Egyptian character of Sinuhe, educators can alleviate some of the alienation of the modern reader with an ancient text. Through an exploration of issues such as place, identity, loneliness, and nostalgia, students are encouraged to use creativity to consider the motivations and emotions of ancient literary characters as well as enhance their approaches to historiography. Educators can prompt students to read a text for what is not present, facilitate discussion about diversity in the ancient world, warn against stereotyping, emphasize the relatability of the human experience, caution against the “telescoping of history,” and consider how the reception of a text influences understanding. By engaging intentionally with popular culture and science fiction, students and educators alike can gain new appreciations for ancient Egyptian literary tales such as that of Sinuhe as well as uncover novel avenues for research.
Session Chair= Dr. Sarah Schellinger