An advanced course on the archaeology of the Pacific, in which certain selected themes are examined in detail. There will be emphasis on methods of analysis and interpretation of the archaeological evidence on which reconstruction is based.

Students will acquire knowledge of the archaeological evidence for the ancient settlement of the Pacific Islands, and the subsequent cultural changes that occurred within each major archipelago. They will also acquire analytical skills in relation to the interpretation of archaeological evidence and an understanding of the history of research into Pacific archaeology.

Class participation and preparation of readings (15%), annotated research bibliography (35%), 2500 word critical review of a topic area (50%).

ARCH2005 (PREH2005) Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders or permission of the lecturer.

PREH3019 Colonisation of Oceania: Vikings of the Pacific.

Kirch, P.V. On the Road of the Winds: an archaeological history of the Pacific Islands before European contact, University of California Press, 2000.
Kirch, P.V. The Lapita Peoples: Ancestors of the Oceanic World, Blackwell, Oxford, 1997.
Spriggs, M. The Island Melanesians, Blackwell, 1997.
Summerhayes, G.R. Lapita Interaction, Center for Archaeological Research ANU, Terra Australis 15.