ARCHAEOLOGY OF ABORIGINAL VICTORIA
ARC5AAV
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject reviews the archaeological evidence of thousands of years of Indigenous occupation in southeastern Australia, with particular reference to Victoria. The archaeological evidence from different regions is set within the environmental context, while historical and ethnographic evidence provide additional sources for understanding Aboriginal society and economy at the time of European settlement. Conflicting explanations for past changes that stress environmental, social, technological or demographic factors are examined in the light of available archaeological evidence. The role of Indigenous communities in shaping archaeological and heritage management practice is a significant component of the subject.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAnita Smith
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be enrolled in AMPA Masters of Professional Archaeology or AGPA Graduate Diploma of Professional Archaeology or Coordinator's approval
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Between the Murray and the Sea: Aboriginal Archaeology in southeastern Australia | Preliminary | Frankel, D. | University of sydney Press, 2017 |
| Readings | Deep time Dreaming. Uncovering Ancient Australia. | Preliminary | Griffiths, B. | Black Inc. 2018 |
| Readings | Victorian Aboriginal Life and Customs | Preliminary | Frankel, D. and J. Major | Latrobe University ebook |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. present an argument linking theory and data with reference to Australian archaeology
- Activities:
- Medium length (2,000-word) essay with a bibliography, workshop assignments based on handling artefacts and ecofacts
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Identify theoretical approaches and research questions appropriate to the evidence from different types of Aboriginal archaeological sites
- Activities:
- Medium length (2,000-word) essay with a bibliography, workshop assignments based on handling artefacts and ecofacts, on-line quizzes
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. understand the constraints that archaeological data places on understanding past cultures and societies in Australia
- Activities:
- Lectures, readings, discussions, on-line quizzes and essay addressing approaches to excavation, chronology, taphonomy, and explanation in Australian archaeology
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
06. understand the archaeological evidence of Aboriginal people in Victoria, the relevant taphonomic and environmental issues in its interpretation, and its significance to contemporary Aboriginal people
- Activities:
- Lectures, readings, discussions, on-line quizzes and essay using archaeological data from Victoria
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills (Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills (Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills (Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2019, Winter semester, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnita Smith
Class requirements
Block Mode
Week:
28
-
28
Five 7.0 hours block mode per study period
on weekdays
during the day
from week 28 to week 28
and delivered via face-to-face.
Unscheduled Online Class
Week:
27
-
28
Five 2.0 hours unscheduled online class per study period
on any day including weekend
during the day
from week 27 to week 28
and delivered via online.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1000 word book review | Students are asked to prepare a book review of a monograph on Australian archaeology. The assignment assesses their familiarity with the general trajectory of Aboriginal occupation of Australia, the archaeological evidence used to demonstrate it, and the way the author is able to construct an argument that shapes the presentation of the information. | 20 | 05, 06 |
| one 3000-word essay | Students prepare an essay that considers the nature and future of Aboriginal archaeology in our region. The assignment assesses students' knowledge of the Victorian archaeological record, their understanding of how it has been created, and their awareness of its significance in modern society. | 50 | 01, 03, 05, 06 |
| one 1500-word practical assignment | Students prepare a report based on the analysis of artefacts catalogued in class. The assignment assesses their ability to synthesise and present data and to use it to interpret some aspect of the archaeological past. | 30 | 01, 03, 05, 06 |