AR2409:04
*NOTE* Archaeology of Maritime Societies and Industries
Townsville
HECS Band 1
26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials. Semester 1.
Staff: Assoc. Professor P Veth, Dr M Gibbs, Dr D Roe.
This subject explores the archaeological record of maritime societies and their industries through the ages. It will map the expansion of various maritime societies starting with the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans leading eventually to the global trading empires associated with the expansion of early European capitalism. Following the ‘Great Age of Sail’ major industrial innovations herald transitions in vessel propulsion and construction and competing forms of transport on the land. The specific relationships between different societies, their economic foundations and technological innovation and maritime activities will be examined. The subject also aims to integrate relevant perspectives on social process with informed discussion of changes in the nature of ships’ architecture.
Learning Objectives:
- social archaeological perspective on the importance and meaning of ships;
- sound appreciation of the functional and social aspects of ship form;
- appreciation of the evolution in ships’ architecture through the ages;
- understanding of the social importance of ships to settler societies;
- knowledge about the effects of changes in ordnance, mode of propulsion and construction materials on ship form.
Assessment by end-of-semester examination (25%); mid-semester essay (50%); presentation (25%).