arc2asa art and symbolism

ART AND SYMBOLISM OF THE ANCIENTS

ARC2ASA

Not currently offered

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

The appearance of art in the archaeological record has often been said to herald the appearance of our species, behaviourally modern human. In this subject, students explore the art and symbolic behaviour of past human societies. We investigate the earliest expressions of art; its chronology and the various interpretations of why art appeared at the time it did in the archaeological record and it covers the time from over 100,000 years ago up until the Neolithic period. Art is examined in its variety, form and iconic content and we seek to determine common themes of humanity. Theoretical aspects of the interpretation of ancient art by various practitioners are discussed and we examine the links between the changing environment and humans through the images preserved in the archaeological record. A global approach is taken using examples from Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

FacultyFaculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorRichard Cosgrove

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites 30 credit points of first-year archaeology subjects or co-ordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ARC3ASA

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsIntroduction to Rock Art ResearchPrescribedWhitley, D.SLEFT COAST PRESS, 2005
ReadingsPrehistoric art: the symbolic jorney of humankind,RecommendedWhite, R.HARRY N. ABRAMS INC PUBLISHERS 2003
ReadingsThe Cambridge illustrated history of prehistoric art,RecommendedBahn, P.CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1998
ReadingsThe archaeology of rock art,RecommendedChippendale, C. & Tacon, S. (eds)CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1998

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