Students

AHIS291 – Archaeology of Death and Burial

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Associate Professor Ronika K. Power
Contact via Email
Level 2, Australian Hearing Hub
By appointment only; Contact via email
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Cemeteries are arguably the most ubiquitous site-types in the archaeological record, providing the greatest portion of artefacts, ecofacts, features, texts and artistic representations from which archaeologists and historians have based their reconstructions of the past. Notwithstanding these facts, cemeteries are also arguably the most challenging site-type to interpret due to the profound complexity and variability of mortuary behaviour – both within and across cultures. This unit embraces ‘complexity’ and ‘variability’ as opportunities to consider how different societies and cultures dealt with the biological imperative of death. By encompassing the fields of archaeology, history, theory, biology, social and cultural studies, politics, and economics, this interdisciplinary unit will invite students to consider the enduring tendency of death to provide individuals and groups with a stage to articulate the complexity, variability and meaning of life.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

General Assessment Information

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UNIT 

There is no final examination for this unit but a class test (closed book).

To complete the unit successfully you need a minimum mark of 50% overall. You must attempt every piece of assessment or university policy requires that a zero grade be given.

You must attend all lectures and tutorials. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of 2% per lecture/tutorial from the overall mark for the unit unless a reasonable written explanation for each absence is provided within two days.

GRADES: 

F: 0-49% P: 50-64% CR: 65-74% D: 75-84% HD: 85-100%

Grade descriptors may be found in a separate document on the unit’s website.

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS - PENALTY

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON FINAL MARKS 

Please note with respect to the marks you receive for work during the session: that the marks given are indicative only; final marks will be determined after moderation. See further the note on Results in the Policies and Procedures section below.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Individual Video Task 0% No Week 5 (29/03/19)
Online Quiz 1 15% No Week 6 (05/04/19)
Group Video Task 30% No Week 10 (17/05/19)
Online Quiz 2 15% No Week 11 (24/05/19)
Class Test 30% No Week 13 (06/06/19)
Preparation and Participation 10% No Every week

Individual Video Task

Due: Week 5 (29/03/19)
Weighting: 0%

Working individually, produce a short video piece from a script you have written using a choice of media and methods to tell a story. This is open to experimental approaches and is executed as a formative task (ie. no marks) to allow you to practice in the medium. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills

Online Quiz 1

Due: Week 6 (05/04/19)
Weighting: 15%

Answer 10 short questions based on the lecture content and tutorial readings and discussions


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts

Group Video Task

Due: Week 10 (17/05/19)
Weighting: 30%

Working in a group, from an agreed script, produce a short video piece using a choice of media and methods to tell a story. You will be expected to perform any of a variety of roles and 50% of this mark comes from a 500 word reflection on your team work and process.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Online Quiz 2

Due: Week 11 (24/05/19)
Weighting: 15%

Answer 10 short questions based on the lecture content and tutorial readings and discussions


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts

Class Test

Due: Week 13 (06/06/19)
Weighting: 30%

The Class Test is a brief examination of all major concepts covered in the unit. Length is one hour.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts

Preparation and Participation

Due: Every week
Weighting: 10%

Students are required to attend all classes (lectures and tutorials), prepare the required readings and participate in class.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Delivery and Resources

CLASSES

For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations. 

To complete the unit satisfactorily you will need to undertake all assessment tasks and achieve an overall mark worth 50% or above.

Assignments must be submitted through the iLearn website. Information about how to submit work online can be accessed through the iLearn unit. 

Assignments will be returned via the iLean website, and will contain feedback from the marker within them. The convener will aim to return your assignments within three weeks.

There is no formal examination in this unit. A Class Test is set for the last week of classes.

EXTENSIONS AND PENALTIES

Extensions for assignments can only be granted for medical reasons or on compassionate grounds. If required, applications for extensions should be made to the convenor well before the assignment's due date. 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

The following textbooks are required:

  • Mike Parker Pearson, The Archaeology of Death and Burial (Stroud, 2013).

Further details regarding video production software will be provided in class.

DELIVERY AND RESOURCES

This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

- For technical support go to: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology 

- For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm

Unit Schedule

Week

Date

Topic

Lecturer

Assessment

1 28.02.19 Introduction A/Prof. Ronika K. Power & Michael Rampe -
2 07.03.19 Palaeolithic/Mesolithic/Neolithic Funerary Behaviour A/Prof. Ronika K. Power -
3 14.03.19 Ancient Egyptian Funerary Behaviour A/Prof. Ronika K. Power -
4 21.03.19 Dearly Departed: Exploring the Family and the Funerary in Israel and the Ancient Near East Dr Louise Pryke -
5 28.03.19 Ancestor Worship and Hero Cult: The Dead in the Landscape of the Living: Minoans and Mycenaeans Dr Susan Lupack Individual Video Task (0%)
6 04.04.19 Gladiatorial Death and Burial in Ancient Rome A/Prof. Peter Keegan Online Quiz (15%)
7 11.04.19 Imperial Mausolea and the Relic Cult of the Saints in Byzantium Dr Meaghan McEvoy -
- - RECESS - -
8 02.05.19 Massacres, Murder and Human Sacrifice A/Prof. Ronika K. Power -
9 09.05.19 The Undead: Zombies, Vampires and Cannibals A/Prof. Ronika K. Power -
10 16.05.19 Interpreting the Inclusion of Animals in Mortuary Practices Dr Mary Hartley Group Video Task (30%)
11 23.05.19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Death, Burial and Repatriation Matt Poll Online Quiz (15%)
12 30.05.19 Ethnography of Dying, Death and Burial Jess Thompson -
13 06.06.19 CLASS TEST - Class Test (30%)

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Group Video Task
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Online Quiz 1
  • Group Video Task
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Online Quiz 1
  • Group Video Task
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Online Quiz 1
  • Group Video Task
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Online Quiz 1
  • Group Video Task
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Online Quiz 1
  • Group Video Task
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Online Quiz 1
  • Group Video Task
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Group Video Task
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
  • Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
  • Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual, aural and temporal modalities
  • Express developed research skills and innovative creative thinking abilities
  • Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
  • Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Video Task
  • Group Video Task
  • Class Test
  • Preparation and Participation

Changes from Previous Offering

In Session 1 2019, AHIS291 will introduce digital video production as part of its assessment strategy, replacing the traditional written essay task. Training in digital video production will be provided by an expert as part of the tutorial schedule for this unit. No previous experience or knowledge of digital video production is required to participate in this unit.