Students
AHIS2301 – Archaeology of Death and Burial
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
Unit Convenor
Prof. Ronika Power
By appointment; contact via email
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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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quiz 1 | 15% | No | WEEK 4; Opens 5pm Friday 20th August 2021 |
| e-Portfolio | 30% | No | WEEK 5; 5pm Friday 27th August 2021 |
| Individual Video Task | 10% | No | Recess Week 1: 5pm Friday 17th September 2021 |
| Group Video Task | 30% | No | WEEK 11: 5pm Friday 22nd October 2021 |
| Online Quiz 2 | 15% | No | WEEK 13: Opens 5pm Monday 1st November 2021 |
Online Quiz 1
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: WEEK 4; Opens 5pm Friday 20th August 2021
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
e-Portfolio
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: WEEK 5; 5pm Friday 27th August 2021
Weighting: 30%
Working individually, produce a short multimedia reflection piece. This reflection piece provides an opportunity to express your learning experience in a personalised, creative way. Alongside your other creative assessment outputs for this unit, the e-Portfolio assessment task forms a reflective piece which connects and contextualises 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
Individual Video Task
Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Recess Week 1: 5pm Friday 17th September 2021
Weighting: 10%
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 has a light weighting (ie. 10%) to encourage 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: 5pm Friday 22nd October 2021
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
Online Quiz 2
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: WEEK 13: Opens 5pm Monday 1st November 2021
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
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:
- 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.
Changes from Previous Offering
The assessment strategy for this unit has been modified for the Session 2 2021 offering. The number of ePortfolio Reflection submissions has been reduced from five (5) to one (1). Additionally, the weighting of the ePortfolio task has been reduced from 40% to 30%. Furthermore, the weighting of the Media Presentation (Individual) has been increased from 0% to 10%.
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 Unit, Peer Support programs, resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, English 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 2021.04 of the Handbook