Students
AHIS1301 – World Archaeology
2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Danijel Dzino
Co-coodrinator
Yann Tristant
Susan Lupack
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores the human past from prehistoric times up to the present. Students will examine a range of archaeological material from different parts of the world from prehistory to the early medieval period. By exploring a variety of ancient cultures, students will observe the interdisciplinary approach that contemporary archaeology utilises when facing broader questions such as the origin of the human species, its evolution and its interaction with the natural environment until the emergence of complex societies and then the blooming and diversity of historical societies. The unit will provide a broad knowledge and understanding of past societies, introducing methodology and theoretical issues when necessary. |
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: Acquire knowledge of a range of archaeological cultures, sites and material in their geographic and chronological contexts.
- ULO2: Understand how past societies developed and interacted worldwide and some of the principles, concepts and techniques used in the study of the archaeology of the world
- ULO3: Read literature from different archaeological disciplines and interpret written and material evidence with appreciation and understanding.
- ULO4: Plan and present written arguments about archaeological cultures and material in coherent and documented form
- ULO5: Apply and adapt knowledge of a range of issues, questions and problems relating to the contemporary understanding of the past.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a penalty for lateness will apply – ten (10) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Grading decisions for each assessment task will be moderated against the set criteria and standards before task results are released.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comments on tutorial readings | 20% | No | 17:00 Friday Weeks 2-5 and 17:00 Friday Weeks 9-11 |
| Online quizzes | 20% | No | 23:59 12/09/21 and 23:59 07/11/21 |
| Short paper | 20% | No | 17:00 03/09/2021 |
| Research essay | 40% | No | 17:00 02/11/2021 |
Comments on tutorial readings
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: 17:00 Friday Weeks 2-5 and 17:00 Friday Weeks 9-11
Weighting: 20%
Two online posts on tutorial readings.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of a range of archaeological cultures, sites and material in their geographic and chronological contexts.
- Understand how past societies developed and interacted worldwide and some of the principles, concepts and techniques used in the study of the archaeology of the world
- Read literature from different archaeological disciplines and interpret written and material evidence with appreciation and understanding.
- Plan and present written arguments about archaeological cultures and material in coherent and documented form
- Apply and adapt knowledge of a range of issues, questions and problems relating to the contemporary understanding of the past.
Online quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: 23:59 12/09/21 and 23:59 07/11/21
Weighting: 20%
Two online quizzes
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of a range of archaeological cultures, sites and material in their geographic and chronological contexts.
- Understand how past societies developed and interacted worldwide and some of the principles, concepts and techniques used in the study of the archaeology of the world
- Read literature from different archaeological disciplines and interpret written and material evidence with appreciation and understanding.
- Plan and present written arguments about archaeological cultures and material in coherent and documented form
- Apply and adapt knowledge of a range of issues, questions and problems relating to the contemporary understanding of the past.
Short paper
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: 17:00 03/09/2021
Weighting: 20%
1000 words short paper
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of a range of archaeological cultures, sites and material in their geographic and chronological contexts.
- Understand how past societies developed and interacted worldwide and some of the principles, concepts and techniques used in the study of the archaeology of the world
- Read literature from different archaeological disciplines and interpret written and material evidence with appreciation and understanding.
- Plan and present written arguments about archaeological cultures and material in coherent and documented form
- Apply and adapt knowledge of a range of issues, questions and problems relating to the contemporary understanding of the past.
Research essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: 17:00 02/11/2021
Weighting: 40%
2,000 words research essay
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire knowledge of a range of archaeological cultures, sites and material in their geographic and chronological contexts.
- Understand how past societies developed and interacted worldwide and some of the principles, concepts and techniques used in the study of the archaeology of the world
- Read literature from different archaeological disciplines and interpret written and material evidence with appreciation and understanding.
- Plan and present written arguments about archaeological cultures and material in coherent and documented form
- Apply and adapt knowledge of a range of issues, questions and problems relating to the contemporary understanding of the past.
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
- Access to a library and/or article database such as JSTOR will be necessary to complete the assignments. If individual access to such databases is not possible, access is possible via the Macquarie Library website, although a proxy server may be necessary (for more see the "IT Help" link under the "Policies and Procedures" tab).
- All lectures, assignments, and readings will be posted on the course's iLearn site. Additional resources, including web-links and additional directions will also appear there.
Optional textbooks:
M. Diaz-Andreu, S. Lucy, S. Babić, & D. N. Edwards, The Archaeology of Identity: Approaches to gender, age, status, ethnicity and religion (London & New York, 2005)
C. Scarre & B. Fagan, Ancient Civilizations (4th ed.) (London & New York, 2016) – useful for broad historical overview.
Unit Schedule
Lecture timetable
Week 1: Introduction to the unit and some basic archaeological concepts
Week 2: The Upper Palaeolithic period in Europe
Week 3: The Neolithic period and the birth of complex societies
Week 4: Tombs and pyramids in Ancient Egypt / Egyptian mummies
Week 5: Ancient Middle East
Week 6: The Minoans
Week 7: European Bronze and Iron Age
Mid-semester break
Week 8: The Mycenaeans
Week 9: Roman archaeology
Week 10: Early Christian and archaeology of Late antiquity
Week 11: Early medieval archaeology
Week 12: Archaeology of Mesoamerican cultures
Week 13: Australian Archaeology
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.
Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook