arc2art art and symbolism

ART AND SYMBOLISM OF THE ANCIENTS

ARC2ART

2018

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

SchoolSchool 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 Students must have completed at least 60 credit points (including 15credits of archaeology) or obtain the subject coordinators permission

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ARC2ASA

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsIntroduction to Rock Art ResearchPrescribedWhitley, D.S 2005LEFT COAST PRESS, 2005
ReadingsA Companion to Rock ArtPrescribedMcDonald, J. & P. Veth 2012Wiley-Blackwell
ReadingsThe archaeology of rock artRecommendedChippendale, C. & Tacon, S. (eds)CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1998

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Draw on theoretical and methodological literature to develop and answer research questions about comparative rock art from a region or locality.

Activities:
Each week a film on rock art of a region of the world will be shown. Focus on discussion and exercises relevant to that topic.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Speaking(Speaking)
Teamwork(Teamwork)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

02. Integrate and understand the theoretical approaches, methodology and research questions appropriate to the evidence from rock art site across the globe.

Activities:
One 1-hour examination 30%
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Writing(Writing)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

03. Present findings of analysis of rock art images in discussion groups, identifying the methods, styles and locations of the sites.

Activities:
Group discussions and presentation in class of main issues on the weekly theme. Choose a rock art site and describe the images in terms of techniques, size, character, form and structure.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Speaking(Speaking)
Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Teamwork(Teamwork)

04. Understand the various cultural attributes & customs of contemporary societies through investigations of the rock art contained within the archaeological record.

Activities:
Examples of the use of imagery and rock art in different societies to provide analogies for explanation of the role and purpose of ancient art.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
Teamwork(Teamwork)

05. Write an essay using the Harvard referencing system.

Activities:
Write a major essay on a significant issue in rock art studies
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Writing(Writing)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2018, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorRichard Cosgrove

Class requirements

WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 1-hour examination (1,000-word equivalent)3002
One 1000-word assignment2003, 04
One 2000-word essay4005
Three PeerWise multiple choice questions1001