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 Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The First Africans: African Archaeology from the Earliest Toolmakers to the Most Recent Forages | Prescribed | Barham, L. & Mitchell, P. | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2008 |
| Readings | African archaeology: a critical introduction | Recommended | Stahl, A. | BLACKWELL 2005 |
| Readings | Forgotten Africa: an introduction to its archaeology | Preliminary | Connah, 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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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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 2,000-word essay | 50 | 02, 03, 06, 07 | |
| ten short on-line quizzes (2,000-word equivalent) | 50 | 02, 03, 06 |