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Archaeology may be briefly defined as the study of the human past from its material remains. As a body of theory and associated techniques it may, of course, be applied to many different periods and aspects of the human past. So we have many archaeologies, eg prehistoric, classical, historical, maritime, just to mention a few. In this Department we have a major focus on the archaeology of the prehistoric past. However, the comprehensive range of courses offered in prehistory and archaeology will equip students to specialise later in any branch of the discipline.
The techniques of archaeology, both field and laboratory, are directed to the acquisition of knowledge about the human past. Their mastery is not an end in itself, but an important key to historical knowledge. Our courses are designed to give students an introduction to archaeology, its methods and theoretical frameworks. Several units cover archaeological practice, in the field as well as the laboratory, in addition to theory and history of the discipline. Field and practical work are integral to a number of units.
A balanced introduction to the synthetic interpretation of the evidence produced by archaeology for the reconstruction of prehistory is given in a range of units concerned with regional prehistories or thematic topics. We consider this balance important, also that our emphasis on the archaeology and prehistory of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region is given context in courses concerned with the prehistory of the Old and New Worlds.
Prehistory and prehistoric archaeology are directed to the study of those periods of the human past before the advent of written records. On current evidence relating to the evolution of human society and culture, this would encompass some 99% of human existence. However, we have to recognise the great diversity of past human cultures. While literate societies developed written records in the Ancient Near East about five thousand years ago, British prehistory ended with the Roman occupation and Australian prehistory with British settlement in the eighteenth century. Archaeology provides the major sources of evidence for our knowledge of this vast period of the human past which saw the appearance of so many basic aspects of human culture, social organisation, technology and economy.
The pass degree units are not planned to provide specialised professional training, but to present students with an understanding of the past and the role of archaeology in its reconstruction, as well as a comparative view of the nature of human social organisation and culture. Honours units offer specialist technical training and examine the theoretical bases of each discipline.
Students considering the possibility of entering careers as professional social or biological anthropologists or archaeologists should plan their courses with a view to taking the degree with honours. Special honours work begins in third year. As a joint department, comparable streams are offered in anthropology, archaeology and biological anthropology. A combined honours course may be arranged within the Department.
Field and Laboratory Work:
Archaeology has field and laboratory classes in four units: Landscape Archaeology (PREH2017), Archaeological Field and Laboratory Methods (PREH3004), Skeletal Analysis (PREH3010) and Archaeological Artefact Analysis (PREH3017).Assessment:
In most later-year units, the preferred assessment method is through the submission of essays and tutorial assignments. A written examination is available in some units.
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Author: Peter Hiscock, Dept. Archaeology and Anthropology
Feedback: peter.hiscock@anu.edu.au .
Date Last Modified: 16-01-2000
URL: http://artalpha.anu.edu.au/web/arc/aboutus/abusarch.htm
