Students

AHIS7001 – Advanced Studies in Ancient History and Archaeology: Material Worlds

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

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Prof. Ronika Power
Contact via Email
By appointment; contact via email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
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.

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. 

N.B. You must attempt every piece of assessment to pass this unit. In accordance with Clause 129 of the University Assessment Policy, non-submission of an Assessment Task will result in a FA grade - Fail Absent.

GRADES: 

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

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS - PENALTY

Unless a formal online Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven 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: grading decisions for each assessment task will be moderated against the set criteria and standards before task results are released. 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; 5pm Friday 20th August 2021
Literature Review 40% No WEEK 8: 5pm Friday 1st October 2021
Theoretical Discussion 40% No WEEK 13; 5pm Friday 5th November 2021

Research Proposal

Assessment Type 1: Annotated bibliography
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: WEEK 4; 5pm Friday 20th August 2021
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: 5pm Friday 1st October 2021
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; 5pm Friday 5th November 2021
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://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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.

Accessibility Statement

Your success in this class is important to me. Throughout our learning journeys, we all require accommodations because we all learn and work differently, and have different life experiences. If there are aspects of this unit that prevent you from learning or exclude you, please let me know as soon as possible. We can develop strategies together in order to meet both your needs and the learning outcomes of the course.

For students with accessibility requirements, I encourage you to contact Accessibility Services to ensure that we are supporting your learning appropriately. If you need official accommodations, you have a right to have these met. There are also a range of resources on campus that serve to support and improve student learning and wellbeing, including the Learning Skills UnitPeer Support programs, resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studentsEnglish Language support, and Student Wellbeing support and resources. Please reach out to these programs if you need them, or contact me directly for further information. We are all here to help.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
12/07/2021 I have added an Accessibility Statement.

Unit information based on version 2021.01 of the Handbook