James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

AR3501 - Ancestors and Emperors: The Rise and Fall of Ancient Societies

Subject Description

Why do some societies become urban-centred and more complex? Is the trajectory of change always the same? In this subject students will address these questions,We begin by studying what was happening in China 10,000 years ago (at the end of the last Ice Age) when a changing climate facilitated the development of agriculture and societies whose cosmologies emphasised interactions with ancestors and gods. The subject then traces increasing social complexity in this region, especially in the Yellow River valley, through to the partly mythical Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties. After a consideration of the First Emperor's short but defining reign, the subject then compares what happened in China with how and why similar urban-based civilisations developed in tropical Southeast Asia.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an ability to find and manipulate information appropriate to addressing archaeological questions in ancient China and South East Asia
• be able to discuss and evaluate archaeologist's approaches to reconstructing social organization in past societies
• demonstrate a general knowledge of how and why societies have become more complex over time in ancient China and tropical South East Asia

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination - In class - (30%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (20%) - Group
• Participation > Online participation - (50%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Assumed Knowledge:  To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  AR2501

Availabilities