Students
AHIS7001 – Advanced Studies in Ancient History and Archaeology: Material Worlds
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
Download as PDF
| 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
Aaron De Souza
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to BPhil/MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Knowledge of the theoretical context and content of research design, excavation methodology and interpretation of evidence is considered a fundamental basis for practitioners of the modern disciplines of Archaeology and History. This unit aims to provide students with a range of analytical, interpretative and professional skills by introducing theoretical approaches to the spectrum of archaeological praxes. Taking as its basis the history of archaeological thought, the unit will expand to address recent discussions and approaches in particular sub-fields, including the theoretical implications of morals, ethics and the exponential growth of scientific technologies. Taking as its mandate inclusivity and diversity, the unit will draw on case studies across cultural and temporal frames. Through independent research, students will be encouraged to explore areas of particular interest to discover the fundamental role that archaeological theory has played – and continues to play – in shaping the interpretations, identities and politics of the past, present and future.
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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: Apply appropriate theoretical and scientific concepts and methods to archaeological questions and problems.
- ULO2: Critique modern archaeological scholarship on the basis of theoretical principles.
- ULO3: Explain the principles and processes by which archaeological primary data are attained, analysed, interpreted and presented.
- ULO4: Identify, critically evaluate and interpret various sources of evidence used by archaeologists, and their degree of reliability both in the field and in artefact-based studies.
- ULO5: Analyse the temporal, ethical, cultural and legal frameworks for archaeological research and professional practice.
- ULO6: Produce synthetic, theoretically-informed discussions of archaeology based on critical understanding and analysis of ancient and modern sources.
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 20% | No | Week 4 |
| Literature Review | 40% | No | Week 8 |
| Theoretical Discussion | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Research Proposal
Assessment Type 1: Annotated bibliography
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 20%
Students are to submit an annotated bibliography of the most important and relevant modern works on their chosen area of research together with a research plan (of no more than 300 words) outlining the proposed research project. The annotations and research plan should not be more than 1500 words. For the annotated bibliography students should provide a few sentences describing and/or analyzing the contents of each bibliographical item. It is recommended that students aim to find ca. 10-15 bibliographical items. Please note that the citation of the bibliographical item itself is included in the word count. The choice of items for your bibliography and the nature of your research plan should be discussed with the Convenor.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply appropriate theoretical and scientific concepts and methods to archaeological questions and problems.
- Critique modern archaeological scholarship on the basis of theoretical principles.
- Identify, critically evaluate and interpret various sources of evidence used by archaeologists, and their degree of reliability both in the field and in artefact-based studies.
Literature Review
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 40%
Produce a 3000 words report, plus any relevant figures and tables, focusing on the main theoretical principles, researchers, and previous publications related to your research topic. Please note that bibliographical references are included in the word count.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply appropriate theoretical and scientific concepts and methods to archaeological questions and problems.
- Critique modern archaeological scholarship on the basis of theoretical principles.
- Explain the principles and processes by which archaeological primary data are attained, analysed, interpreted and presented.
- Identify, critically evaluate and interpret various sources of evidence used by archaeologists, and their degree of reliability both in the field and in artefact-based studies.
- Analyse the temporal, ethical, cultural and legal frameworks for archaeological research and professional practice.
- Produce synthetic, theoretically-informed discussions of archaeology based on critical understanding and analysis of ancient and modern sources.
Theoretical Discussion
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
Write a 3000 words report, plus any relevant figures and tables, applying the main theoretical principles discussed in your Literature Review to your research topic. Please note that bibliographical references are included in the word count.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply appropriate theoretical and scientific concepts and methods to archaeological questions and problems.
- Critique modern archaeological scholarship on the basis of theoretical principles.
- Explain the principles and processes by which archaeological primary data are attained, analysed, interpreted and presented.
- Identify, critically evaluate and interpret various sources of evidence used by archaeologists, and their degree of reliability both in the field and in artefact-based studies.
- Analyse the temporal, ethical, cultural and legal frameworks for archaeological research and professional practice.
- Produce synthetic, theoretically-informed discussions of archaeology based on critical understanding and analysis of ancient and modern sources.
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
This Unit has become a compulsory component of the Ancient History MRes taught program in Session 2 2020. The Unit schedule and mode of offering has been modified from its previous iteration (AHIS710 Principles of Archaeological Theory) to accommodate larger class sizes and more diverse academic interests among the student group.