Archaeology of Complex Societies

Subject 107-411 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in classics or classical studies and archaeology.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Prof Antonio Sagona
Subject Overview:

This subject examines the concept of complexity from an archaeological perspective. It surveys various cultural traditions, focusing on issues associated with the emergence and development of social, economic and political complexity such as the advent of sedentism; early villages; the evolution of urban, literate societies; city-states and incipient supra-regional polities; and ancient 'world empires'. Students should complete the subject with a critical understanding of historical and contemporary theoretical issues in archaeological research and interpretation concerned with complexity, and have a knowledge of various methodologies utilised toward these interpretative ends.

Assessment: A 2500 word seminar report 40% (due during the semester), presentation of seminar report 20% (due during the semester), and a 2500 word essay 40% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Recommended Texts:

.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be skilled in research;

  • possess advanced skills of critical thinking and analysis;

  • possess an ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly, economically and effectively;

  • have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Classics and Archaeology)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Classics)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts(Classical Studies and Archaeology)

Download PDF version.