James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

AR2409:03

Maritime Archaeology: Societies and Industries *

26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials. Semester 1.

Staff: Dr M Gibbs.

This subject explores the archaeology of maritime societies and industries through the ages. It examines the range of underwater and terrestrial archaeological resources available, including shipwrecks and their contents, submerged settlements, Indigenous maritime sites, evidence for past trade, defence and navigation networks, as well as canals and sites on inland waters. Various techniques for archaeological, documentary and ethnographic research on maritime themes are reviewed and in particular the notion of cultural ‘seascapes’ is considered as a means of investigation and interpretation.

Learning Objectives:

1. to develop an understanding of the development of maritime societies and industries in a variety of times and regions;
2. to acquire knowledge of the development of current practice and theory in maritime archaeology;
3. to consider new methods and avenues for research in maritime archaeology encompassing an expanded range of terrestrial and underwater sites.

Assessment by end-of-semester examination (25%); mid-semester essay (50%); presentation (25%).