James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2016

AR1001 - The World of Archaeology

Credit points: 03
Year: 2016
Student Contribution Band: Band 1
Administered by: College of Arts, Society & Education

What is archaeology? And what, exactly, do archaeologists do? During the first lectures of this subject we introduce you to the tools and techniques of the practical archaeologist. We then move on to consider the biggest question in archaeology (and related disciplines) - As a species, how did we get to be what we are today? We begin by investigating our evolutionary origins in tropical Africa and explanations of how our ancestors then colonised the world while at the same time developing physically and intellectually into us. Using case studies from different regions of the world, we investigate past lifestyles and adaptations. Further key questions include: Why did some human societies take up farming? Why did some human societies go on to develop the early urban societies from which our modern (human) world has emerged?

Learning Outcomes


Availabilities

Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2016
Coordinator: Dr Nigel Chang
Contact hours:
  • 26 hours lectures
  • 12 hours tutorials
    Assessment:end of semester exam (40%); practical in-class tasks (20%); essays (40%).

    Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
    Census Date 24-Mar-2016
    Contact hours:
    • 26 hours lectures
    • 12 hours tutorials
      Assessment:end of semester exam (40%); practical in-class tasks (20%); essays (40%).

      Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.