During Spring Break 2019, Dr. Camille Gibson, Interim Dean of the College of Juvenile Justice and Professor of the course CRJS 4963 Philosophy of Crime, led a study tour to Egypt. Selected students from CRJS 4963 had a chance to learn about the Black Pharaonic era and its influence on ideas of crime, justice, guilt, human dignity, and care in the western world.
“The students, who were psychology, architecture and communications majors, were able to have many intellectually stimulating interdisciplinary conversations about the experience,” said Gibson. “They heard accounts of movements of people, the development of religious ideas, industry, architecture, and construction, the genesis of medical instruments, history, and politics emanating in Egypt that have influenced the globe.”
In Cairo, the group visited the Pyramids of Giza, the Museum of Cairo, and various ancient temple sites. They later flew to Aswan to tour places like the Abu Simbel Temples, which were constructed by Ramesses II for himself and his primary wife, Nefertari. Traveling by ship on the Nile River, the students were able to spend time in a Nubian village, tour a botanical garden, and then move on to Luxor to explore the Karnak and Luxor Temples, and the Valley of the Kings. The lessons focused on King Tutankhamun, Queen Hatshepsut, Ramesses II, and Queen Nefertari.
“The visit was a life-changing experience and, for most of the students, their first international experience,” said Gibson. “We found the Egyptian people to be very welcoming. It was a thrill to be in Africa. Everyone should visit this part of the world.”