Students
AHIS2301 – Archaeology of Death and Burial
2020 – Session 2, Special circumstance
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Associate Professor Ronika K. Power
Contact via Contact via email
Room 113, Level 1, 25B Wally's Walk
By appointment; Contact via email
Jacinta Carruthers
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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:
- ULO1: Articulate acquired knowledge and skills pertaining to the archaeology of death and burial across time, geographical regions and cultures
- ULO2: Demonstrate critical thinking by solving problems in the interpretation of ambiguous, complex and contrasting archaeological data
- ULO3: Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
- ULO4: Create multimedia content that communicates specific archaeological knowledge and skills
- ULO5: Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively as part of team whilst managing different perspectives of individuals
General Assessment Information
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE UNIT
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.
GRADES:
F: 0-49% P: 50-64% CR: 65-74% D: 75-84% HD: 85-100%
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.
Please note: 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 (incl. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Portfolio | 40% | No | Week 1; Week 5; Week 8; Week 12; Week 14. See iLearn. |
| Online Quiz 1 | 15% | No | Week 4 (21/08/20). See iLearn. |
| Online Quiz 2 | 15% | No | Week 13 (06/11/20). See iLearn. |
| Individual Video Task | 0% | No | Recess Week 1 (18/09/20) |
| Group Video Task | 30% | No | Week 11 (23/10/20). See iLearn. |
e-Portfolio
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 1; Week 5; Week 8; Week 12; Week 14. See iLearn.
Weighting: 40%
Working individually, produce a series of short multimedia reflection pieces across the duration of the Session. These reflection pieces provide an opportunity to express your learning experience in a personalised, creative way. The e-Portfolio will culminate in a final reflective piece which unites and curates your submissions across the unit.
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
- 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
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 4 (21/08/20). See iLearn.
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
- Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
Online Quiz 2
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Week 13 (06/11/20). See iLearn.
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
- Reflect on how knowledge gained in the unit can be applied in modern (ethnographic) contexts
Individual Video Task
Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Recess Week 1 (18/09/20)
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. zero 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
- 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
Group Video Task
Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 11 (23/10/20). See iLearn.
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
- 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
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Consult the Unit's iLearn site for weekly updates on delivery and resources.
Unit Schedule
Consult the Unit's iLearn site for weekly updates on the Unit Schedule.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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.
Changes from Previous Offering
Due to Special Circumstances, the Assessment Strategy and Schedule for this Unit has been changed from its previous offering. These changes include the withdrawal of Preparation and Participation and Class Test items, and the introduction of an e-Portfolio of multimedia reflection pieces staged through the duration of the Session.