Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Discovering Archaeology (ARCA1000)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Social Science School

Archaeology studies the human past from humanity's earliest origins to the development of the modern world and is a vibrant profession in Australia at the forefront of managing the nation's cultural heritage. ARCA1000 is an introduction to the core concepts and principles of contemporary archaeology, considering its history, ethics and practices in global perspective. Case studies explore how archaeology investigates topics as diverse as where and when humans evolved, the development of art and symbolism, how past societies survived in the face of extreme climate change, developing partnerships with First Nations peoples to explore Australia's past and archaeology's role in politics, power and privilege, from colonial dispossession and enslavement to the impact of Black Lives Matter on our own practice. A key focus is understanding how archaeologists make and verify claims about the past through critical analysis of its material remains, and we explore the difference between archaeology as a formal academic discipline and the fantastical claims of pseudoarchaeology. Lectures are accompanied by problem-solving tutorials, and diverse assessments, including a video assignment and site significance reports, providing students with a gateway to professional practice in the discipline via the archaeology and archaeological science Extended Major/Major programs or a broad-based introduction for scholars in other areas of inquiry.

COURSE CONTENT: ARCA1000 introduces students to the fundamental concepts, principles and themes of the broad and multi-faceted discipline of Archaeology. In doing so it considers how archaeologists understand pastᅠhuman cultures and how archaeology has become a professional discipline with many professional practitioners in cultural heritage management. The treatment is broad in scope, including examples from around the world, and considers archaeology as a profession in Australia. ARCA1000 has been designed to conform with the National Benchmark for Teaching Archaeology in Australian Universities.

COURSE STRUCTURE: Weekly lectures provide key learning for the course which is explored and deepened in 8ᅠx 1.5 hour tutorial classes, each of which comprises a problem solving exercise focusing on a key topic in contemporary archaeology. Lectures are recorded; tutorials are not and attendance is expected.

COURSE SCOPE: Discovering Archaeology is a 2-Unit 1st-level (introductory) course designed for Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or an elective course for other undergraduate degrees offered by UQ. It is the required foundation course for the Archaeology major in the Bachelor of Arts,ᅠand Archaeological Science majorᅠin the Bachelor of Scienceᅠand should be taken prior to enrolment in any other ARCA or ARCS-coded course (see details at http://www.uq.edu.au/study/).

CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES:ᅠARCA1000 lectures and tutorials include images of deceased people and handling of replica casts of human bones. We recognise cultural sensitivities and encourage students to contact the course coordinator to discuss any concerns regarding the course content and tutorials. Note that no human remains are handled in this course.

COMMUNICATION: Communication with students about ARCA1000, including updates to content, assessment information etc, will primarily be via Blackboard announcements which directs messages to your UQ student email address. It is the responsibility of students to check their UQ student email account regularly or divert it to a platform that is checked regularly.

COURSEᅠREADINGS: The course is based in part on the textbook Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practiceᅠand other Required Readings, all of which are available in the library - note that cited papers can be found at the library via the Search box or via the internet link on this course profile on the 'Learning Resources' page. Note that the recommended readings are there for the enthusiastic and so that students can follow up points in lectures.

BLACKBOARD SITE: The course has a Blackboard site accessible via the "e-learning" link on your myUQ home page. Blackboard contains many additional course documents and will be the main place in which announcements are made.

ATTENDANCE: Lectures are recorded, so attendance is not required, though it will allow students to discuss questions with the lecturer. Attendance at tutorials is expected and will improve the learning experience, reinforcing the key concepts taught in the lectures.

FURTHER STUDY: ARCA1000 leads directly into ARCS1001 Doing Archaeology, whichᅠprovides a detailed introduction to the practice of archaeology, including laboratory sessions. It is also the required foundation for second-level elective courses and third-level advanced/capstone courses (coded ARCA & ARCS). These include ARCA2020 Australasian Archaeology,ᅠARCA2050 Historical Archaeology, ARCS2070 Bioarchaeology, ARCS2080 Plants and Archaeology,ᅠARCS2090 Animals and Archaeology, ARCS3168 Human Evolution,ᅠand ARCS3010ᅠField Archaeology.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This is an entry level course open to all students

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ID123

Course contact

Course coordinator

Professor Andrew Fairbairn

Through semester I will be available Tuesday 2:30pm-4:00pm and Thursday 3:30pm-5:00pm in my office (Michie Building, Room 331) and by appointment (please email) for individual consultations in person or on Zoom. Please contact arca1000student@uq.edu.au with any enquiries.

School enquiries

Student Enquiries School of Social Science

Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia Campus, The University of Queensland.

Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Tutorials are taught in weeks 2-6 and then in alternate weeks thereafter (weeks 8, 10 and 12).

Aims and outcomes

The main objectives of ARCA1000 are:

  1. To introduce students to fundamental concepts,ᅠprinciples and themesᅠof contemporary archaeology, including its ethics and ways of creating verifiable knowledge about the past.
  2. To introduce majorᅠresearch topics in archaeology, including understanding how people lived in past environments, human evolution, Australia's deep past and the development of the modern world.
  3. To introduce archaeology as a professional practice, especially its role in cultural heritage management.
  4. To provide an opportunity for studentsᅠto develop scholarly research and expository writing skills.
  5. To prepare students for second-level archaeology (ARCA/ARCS) courses.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand the role and history of archaeology in investigating the human past.

LO2.

Demonstrate an introductory understanding of the concepts, principles and themes of contemporary archaeology.

LO3.

Demonstrate knowledge of some of the major discoveries, sites and leading historical figures in world archaeology.

LO4.

Demonstrate an introductory understanding of archaeology's role in the contemporary world, including cultural heritage management.

LO5.

Successfully demonstrate research and communication skills, including expository writing and multimedia communication.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Site Brief
  • Online
20%

31/03/2025 2:00 pm

Presentation Pseuoarchaeology Video Case Study
  • Online
30%

6/05/2025 12:00 pm

Examination Discovering Archaeology Final Exam
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Assessment details

Site Brief

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20%
Due date

31/03/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions
Work integrated learning.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04, L05

Task description

This is a scenario-based learning exercise in which you prepare a report of a kind commonly expected in professional archaeology and cultural heritage management.

Scenario: You will prepare a Site Brief for the Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage, summarising the description and significance of an archaeological site/heritage place on the Queensland Heritage Register that is under threat from development.

  • A Brief is a commonly used document which summarises the key points about a place, issue or topic for decision makers. They are a basic research document and are commonly required in archaeological professional practice across the museum, government and private heritage sectors.
  • The detailed specification for your report, and all information about it, including the marking criteria, will be available on the Inspera assessment platform (see below), accessible via a link in the Blackboard Assessment folder at least 3 weeks before the due date.

Use of AI and MT tools

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task.
  • Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. Note that this kind of task in professional archaeology is routinely being aided by AI tools, and the assessment develops student understanding of how that can be done ethically and effectively.
  • A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Assessment details, marking criteria and submission: All assessment in this course will be delivered, answered and marked using the Inspera Assessment platform via a link in the Assessments folder for this course in Blackboard;

  • Find more information about using Inspera Assessment from the Library website, which provides the latest information for students about using Inspera.
  • To see what the interface looks like, please try out the Inspera demonstration test here. This shows you the assessment interface using some test questions. Remember, Inspera is a university wide-platform, so there may be some question types in the demo that are not relevant to your discipline.
  • To complete the assessment, you will require access to laptop/desktop computer that meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments. It is important that you check that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library or book use of a desktop computer in the library.

Submission guidelines

You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date. 

Your assignment will be prepared and submitted using Inspera, which will be accessed via the link in the Blackboard Assessment folder. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted. 

By uploading your assignment via Inspera, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) in completing this assessment must be identified/referenced as per the assessment instructions.

You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.  

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time. 

The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).  

Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.  

Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements. 

Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team. 

Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester. 

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Work can NOT be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval. 

Pseuoarchaeology Video Case Study

  • Online
Mode
Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
Category
Presentation
Weight
30%
Due date

6/05/2025 12:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04, L05

Task description

You will make a 5 minute (maximum length) video evaluating whether one of the case studies from a prepared list should be classified as an example of pseudoarchaeology. The specification for your video and all information about it, including the marking criteria, will be available on the Inspera assessment platform, accessible via a link in the Blackboard Assessment folder at least 3 weeks before the due date.

What does this contribute to your education?

  • The assessment requires you to undertake research using a range of different sources, including non-traditional academic sources
  • By focusing on dubious archaeological claims and their evidence, you will learn more about archaeology’s method as an evidence-based discipline and how to critically evaluate claims you come across
  • You will learn how to make a video to effectively communicate your ideas to an audience, which is increasingly important in all areas of archaeological research and to help counter pseudoarchaeology.

Use of AI and MT tools

  • Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
  • Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
  • A failure to reference MT use and / or the use of generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Assessment details, marking criteria and submission: The assessment in this course will be delivered, answered and marked using the Inspera Assessment platform via a link in the Assessments folder for this course in Blackboard;

  • Find more information about using Inspera Assessment from the Library website, which provides the latest information for students about using Inspera.
  • To see what the interface looks like, please try out the Inspera demonstration test here. This shows you the assessment interface using some test questions. Remember, Inspera is a university wide-platform, so there may be some question types in the demo that are not relevant to your discipline.
  • To complete the assessment, you will require access to laptop/desktop computer that meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments. It is important that you check that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library or book use of a desktop computer in the library.

Submission guidelines

You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date. 

Your assignment will be prepared and submitted using Inspera, which will be accessed via the link in the Blackboard Assessment folder. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted. 

By uploading your assignment via Inspera, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) in completing this assessment must be identified/referenced as per the assessment instructions.

You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.  

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time. 

The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic. 

In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).  

Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.  

Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements. 

Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team. 

Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester. 

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Work can NOT be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval. 

Discovering Archaeology Final Exam

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

This final exam will assess knowledge and skill application from weeks 6-13 of the course, including tutorial and lecture content. Exam questions will include multi-choice, interactive (drag and drop. fill the gaps etc) and short answer scenario-based problem solving questions.

Details about your end of semester exam in Inspera and Safe Exam Browser (SEB)

In this course, the Inspera Assessment platform and safe exam lockdown browser (SEB) will be used for the exam that will be on-campus, invigilated in-room and during the end of semester exam period. More information will be provided throughout the semester in class and the course site.

  • Find more information about using Inspera Assessment from the Library website, which provides the latest information for students about using Inspera.
  • To see what the interface looks like, please try out the Inspera demonstration test here. This shows you the assessment interface using some test questions. Remember, Inspera is a university wide-platform, so there may be some question types in the demo that are not relevant to your discipline.
  • A practice exam in the ARCS2080 format will be available before exam day and students will be able to practice in class before the end of semester.

Prepare your laptop* for using Inspera and Safe Exam Browser (SEB)

For this course you will require a laptop* that meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform and SEB lockdown browser, with:

*Laptop: For on-campus exams, a laptop is required. Tablets are not compatible with Inspera.

If you do not own a suitable laptop, loan a Library laptop for 24 hours or 28 days, which have SEB installed.

Go to > Safe Exam Browser student guide > Follow Steps 1 and 2 (Download Safe Exam Browser, and Complete a preparation Test). Also see Troubleshooting Safe Exam Browser

Find more information in the student guides from the Library website, which provides the latest information about using Inspera and SEB.

·        Get support for using Inspera and SEB by ccontacting Ask Us (Library).

Use of AI and MT tools: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Inspera
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

The exam will be held in person during the Central Examination Period.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

You can request a deferred exam if you can provide evidence of unavoidable circumstances that prevented you from sitting your original exam at its scheduled date and time. Your application must include supporting evidence. The request will be assessed based on the evidence you provide when you apply. 

An application on the basis of a Student Access Plan (SAP) or Extension Verification Letter (EVL) alone will not be accepted. If you are applying on medical grounds, a medical practitioner must assess your condition and provide a signed medical certificate that covers the day of the examination. You must obtain a medical certificate no later than two business days after the date of the original examination. Further details of acceptable evidence for deferred examination can be found here

For information on eligibility and application instructions, please view the following page on myUQ: Deferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland 

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 1 - 29

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work does not display familiarity with the course content. In written assignments, fails to answer the questions/task in work that lacks coherence with little or no use of relevant scholarly supporting evidence and little or no documentation/acknowledgement of sources. Poor expression and use of English, very poor spelling & punctuation; fails to use specified reference style and format.

2 (Fail) 30 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work displays a little familiarity with course content, little grasp of the topic, lack of awareness of basic modern discussions of topic. In Essays, fails to answer the question, argument inconstent with little or no structure, little or no use of relevant scholarly supporting evidence, little or no documentation/acknowledgement of sources,ᅠlacks original ideas and critical insight on topic, poor expression and use of English, poor spelling & punctuation;ᅠlittle adherenceᅠto specified reference style and format.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Work fails to satisfy some requirements for a grade of 4 but on balance comes close to doing so.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work displays some familiarity with course content and understanding of the topic, some awareness of basic modern discussions of topic. In Essays,ᅠanswers the question, argument coherent with fair structure,ᅠuse of relevant scholarly supporting evidence, documentation/acknowledgement of sources,ᅠfew original ideas and a little critical insight on topic,ᅠfair expression and use of English,ᅠfair spelling & punctuation;ᅠ adherenceᅠto specified reference style and format.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work displays familiarity with course content and clear understanding of the topic, awareness of basic modern discussions of topic. In Essays,ᅠanswers the question, argument coherent with goodᅠstructure,ᅠuse of relevant scholarly supporting evidence, good documentation/acknowledgement of sources,ᅠoriginal ideas and critical insight on topic, good expression and use of English,ᅠgood spelling & punctuation; good adherenceᅠto specified reference style and format.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work displays thorough familiarity with course content and clear understanding of the topic, awareness of basic modern discussions of topic. In Essays,ᅠanswers the question, argument well-balanced with excellent structure, consistent use of relevant scholarly supporting evidence, good documentation/acknowledgement of sources,ᅠoriginal ideas and critical insight on topic,ᅠexcellent expression and use of English, good spelling & punctuation; complete adherence to specified reference style and format.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Work displaysᅠthorough familiarity with course content andᅠinsightful understanding of the topic, excellent awareness of basic modern discussions of topic. In Essays answers the question, argument well-balanced with excellent structure,ᅠbalanced and critical use of relevant scholarly supporting evidence, excellent documentation/acknowledgement of sources, original ideas and critical insight on topic, excellent expression and use of English,ᅠexcellent spelling & punctuation; complete adherenceᅠto specified reference style and format.

Additional course grading information

Your final grade is determined by adding together the sum of all individual assessment tasks.ᅠ Grades are calculated based on the marks received.ᅠ

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ

Additional assessment information

Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/ 

School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments 

Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.  

Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result  

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Lecture

What is archaeology and why do we do it?

Welcome to ARCA1000. This week we discuss what archaeology is and isn't and explore its role in contemporary society. We also review the course aims, structure and assessment.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Lecture

What is the archaeological record and how do we discover it?

This week we explore the archaeological record, looking at what it is, how and what it preserved and how we investigate it, including a look at digging (aka excavation) and how we do archaeology in the 21st Century.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Archaeology at Dutton Park, Brisbane

In our first tutorial, we explore an archaeological assemblage from Dutton Park (opposite UQ) and explore what it might tell us about the history of people in Brisbane.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Lecture

Why is the past important & what does it tell us?

This week we explore why the past is important for society, cultures and archaeology as a professional discipline, and how the value of the past has changed through time. We will explore significance, the focus of your first assessment and discuss the linked and important issue of who owns the past?, considering why this question can be contentious.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Why is this old stuff important?

Using examples from the UQ Anthropology Museum we ask why are these things significant and to whom? NOTE THIS IS DIRECT PREPARATION FOR YOUR FIRST ASSESSMENT

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Lecture

Assembling the past: Time, space and the primacy of context

Archaeology reconstructs and explore past societies, people and their worlds in time and space. How do we do this in the absence of anyone to talk to about it?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Was there an Egyptian pyramid at Gympie?

This week we evaluate claims that the ancient Egyptians built a stepped pyramid at Gympie. You will sift the evidence to evaluate whether the claims are justified or an example of pseudoarchaeology?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Lecture

Explaining the past and pseudoarchaeology

This week we explore the varied approaches to making claims about past human societies via archaeology. We follow the history of ideas from art history and colonial narratives to archaeology in the age of feminism and protest movements such as Black Lives Matter. We also look at the persistent phenomenon of pseudoarchaeology and why it's fantastical claims are more than simply a cause of irritation to archaeologists.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

So you think it's easy to make stone tools?

So you think it's easy to make stone tools? This class at our Archaeology Teaching and Research Centre will let you find out just how easy it really is!

Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Lecture

Ancient climate change, sustainability & the Anthropocene

This week we look at how people in the past thrived, and occasionally failed, in an ever changing environment. We also consider evidence for humans affecting environments in deep time and the role of archaeology in coping with the widespread environmental changes of the Anthropocene.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Lecture

Understanding Homo economicus? Subsistence, technology & trade

Archaeology is well suited to investigate how people in the past made a living. This week we explore the evidence for food systems, manufacturing objects and the ancient roots of trade, including globalisation.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

How did these people live? Reconstructing Palaeolithic societies and economies

Using the remains found in two Palaeolithic settlements, can you reconstruct the social structure, economy and culture of an ancient people?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05

Mid-sem break

(21 Apr - 27 Apr)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid-semester break - No class

Week 9

(28 Apr - 04 May)

Lecture

Ancient societies and modern power: Archaeology and the social world

Here we look at how archaeology understands ancient societies, from Palaeolithic foragers to the world's first empires, yet can also be a tool of enforcing social compliance, and challenging it, in the modern world.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 10

(05 May - 11 May)

Lecture

The archaeology of people

This week we look at how archaeology studies the lives, deaths and health of ancient people, from the evolution and global dispersal of our species to the details of individuals.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Tutorial

Meet your hominin ancestors

Get to know your Hominin ancestors. Introduction to the bones (casts) and stones that we use to understand the earliest phases of the human adventure.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Lecture

The archaeology of the Modern World

Historical archaeology investigates how the modern world emerged from 1415 onwards (depending on who you talk to), including topics from from globalisation and industrialisation to colonialism and enslavement. Among the case studies we discuss the archaeology of Australia's colonial period.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Lecture

The archaeology of Australia's First Nations

The week we look into the archaeological story of the first Australians. Including the story of Australia's first occupation, evidence for social and cultural change and reflection on the sometimes painful journey that has seen Australian archaeology has develop from an observer of First Nations peoples to a partner in Indigenous led research and heritage projects.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Is this heritage worth saving?

We explore an example of heritage under threat and answer the questions: why is this important and should it be saved?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05

Week 13

(26 May - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Archaeology in the real world

This week we look at the role of archaeologists in the wider world and the real prospect of a career in our profession. We focus on the industry of cultural heritage management and public archaeology.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.