arc2afr african archaeology

AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY

ARC2AFR

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

Africa preserves the longest and most complete record of human history. Not only was it the birthplace of humanity, but it also preserves a record of all the critical transformations that have shaped the modern world. African Archaeology reviews current understanding of the narrative and dynamics of the earliest phases of humanity and the trajectories that helped shaped modern Africa. Specific topics discussed include the earliest human ancestors and their archaeological traces, the origin of modern humans, the emergence of plant and animal domestication, the introduction of iron-smelting and the establishment of complex societies.

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorNicola Stern

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites 15 credit points of Archaeology subjects or Coordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ARC3AFR

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsThe First Africans: African Archaeology from the Earliest Toolmakers to the Most Recent ForagesPrescribedBarham, L. & Mitchell, P.CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2008
ReadingsAfrican archaeology: a critical introductionRecommendedStahl, A.BLACKWELL 2005
ReadingsForgotten Africa: an introduction to its archaeologyPreliminaryConnah, G.ROUTLEDGE 2004

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Apply skills and knowledge to assess new discoveries as they announced

Activities:
Workshop discussions
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)

02. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate alternative accounts of human evolution using published data

Activities:
Essay, short assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

03. Demonstrate an ability to write an account of human evolution that uses appropriate data and interpretive frameworks

Activities:
Essay, short assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)

04. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural values, awareness and sensitivities surrounding discussions of human evolution

Activities:
Workshop discussions
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)

05. Effective participation in discussion of weekly topics and documentaries or display materials.

Activities:
Workshop discussions.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Speaking(Speaking)

06. Show an understanding of the current literature pertaining to human behavioural evolution

Activities:
Essay, short assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

07. The essay demonstrates an understanding of the substantive and methodological issues involved in writing a history of human behavioural evolution

Activities:
Essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Writing(Writing)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicola Stern

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
one 2,000-word essay5002, 03, 06, 07
ten short on-line quizzes (2,000-word equivalent)5002, 03, 06