This course will provide an introduction to the archaeological and biological data which reflect upon cultural history and human variation. From Origins to Civilisations sets up a broad framework upon which later Archaeology and Biological Anthropology units across the University can be placed. In particular, taken with the other first year unit, Introduction to Archaeology (ARCH 1111), taught in the 1st semester each year, it provides the necessary basis for students to continue on to a wide variety of later year units within our School.

Course Aims

• To help students to develop their knowledge, critical thinking, analytical capabilities, together with their inter-personal, communications and decision-making skills.
• To equip students with a range of generic and transferable skills.
• To provide a firm foundation for students wishing to undertake a professional qualification or for students wishing to undertake postgraduate studies in archaeology.

Course Outcomes

At the end of the course successful students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key facts, issues, concepts and theories in the course;
• Recognize the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of archaeology;
• Demonstrate an awareness of the nature and consequences of human interactions with natural ecosystems and cultural heritage;
• Have begun to learn how to select, use and evaluate appropriate research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis for the study of field archaeology;
• Collect, synthesize and interpret evidence from a range of archaeological and other literature and apply them in a balanced argument and set of conclusions;
• Learn to apply knowledge to problem solving and new situations;
• Demonstrate effective written communication through the production of an archaeological assessment of an artefact and research essay;
• Demonstrate effective verbal communication through the production of presentation

Intellectual (thinking) skills:

• Develop critical thinking;
• Develop analytical and interpretational skills;
• Presentation of logical, structured and supported arguments

Assessment takes the form of two 2,000 word essays (70%), tutorial attendance and presentation (20%) and an in-class test (10%).

2 hours lectures and 1 hour tutorial/laboratory per week. Films will be shown but are not compulsory. Students will normally spend an additional 4 hours per week in study.

PREH1112 From Origins to Civilisations.

Scarre, C. ed The Human Past, Thames and Hudson, 2010.