Students

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

2024 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Ronika Power
ronika.power@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
B108
Zoom: 4-5pm Thursdays
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

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 Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue.    

This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 

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; 11:55pm; Sunday 18th August
Literature Review 40% No Week 8; 11:55pm; Sunday 15th September
Theoretical Discussion 40% No Week 13; 11:55pm; Sunday 3rd November

Research Proposal

Assessment Type 1: Annotated bibliography
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 4; 11:55pm; Sunday 18th August
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; 11:55pm; Sunday 15th September
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; 11:55pm; Sunday 3rd November
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

Please see the unit's ilearn page

Unit Schedule

Please see the unit's iLearn page.

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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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 2024.02 of the Handbook