By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Studying a system of pictorial and symbolic writing, such as the hieroglyphics used in ancient Egypt, a group of students works patiently together to reveal secrets of the past.

A year ago, Jane Curtis introduced the study of hieroglyphics to her neighbors at Greenspring, where she lives. With a Ph.D. in comparative languages and literatures, she’s taught other courses there such as Medieval English, Music and Harmony Theory, Introduction to Russian, a lecture series on the medieval centuries, a computer class called Getting Beyond the Basics, and the European Zither.

Love of learning
“I was inspired to create the class due to curiosity and lots of experience with language study,” Curtis says. “I found classic books republished in good form and easily available. I first studied by myself for a while. I then put up a notice and found some interested parties.”

The band of devoted scholars meets every Wednesday for an hour and works their way through hieroglyphic texts, expanding into Egyptology in general to discuss and help interpret what they read. “Members are not required to study hieroglyphics,” says Curtis. “But an interest develops. The subject is fascinating, and I like the relaxed but positive approach of the members as we delve into some thornier puzzles of reading and interpretation.”

“I was intrigued when I heard about the class,” says Andy Benvenuto. “I’ve always been fascinated by the pictures, and I enjoy solving puzzles like Sudoku. it is work—going through the stories trying to make sense of it; verbs don’t always go where you want them to go. But Jane is a great teacher.

I’ve taken other classes with her and have had great experiences.

We all went into this class knowing nothing about the topic, and now we are able to do some deciphering.”