James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2004

Offerings
View how AR2414 is offered in 2004

(Also shows pre-requisites and inadmissible combinations if applicable)

AR2414:03

The Anthropology and Archaeology of Australia

Townsville, Cairns

HECS Band 1

39 hours workshops/seminars. Semester 1 (Townsville campus); Semester 1 Limited Attendance (Cairns campus). From 2004, the lecture material will be delivered on-line using LearnJCU. Students will attend on campus guided learning sessions (workshops) for two hours per week (contact hours for the semester will be 26 hours).

Staff:

Dr R Henry,

Dr M Gibbs.

This subject considers the development, practice and findings of anthropological and archaeological research on Australia. Following a critical overview of the evidence of human colonisation and settlement of Australia and its cultural and linguistic diversity, the subject provides an integrated exploration of a number of key areas of research in the two disciplines under the headings: ritual; cosmology - beliefs in time and space; colonial encounters; authentic pasts/authentic presents; leadership and power; kinship and country.

Learning Objectives:

to promote an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of Indigenous Australian social and cultural life through time;

to provide an understanding of the implications of current findings and theoretical perspectives in Australian anthropology and archaeology;

to provide students with a framework in which they are able to assess the value of an interdisciplinary approach to a number of key areas of research on Australia;

to encourage critical analysis of anthropological and archaeological approaches to understanding Indigenous Australian societies.

Assessment by seminar participation/presentation and defence (20%); class test (30%); essay (50%).