Key facts
UNE unit code: ARPA104
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit provides the building blocks for you to learn about the practice, method and theories, history, and achievements of archaeology. Through lectures and practical sessions, it prepares you for the in-depth critical study of the archaeology of any region or time.
With a focus on the specialised knowledge, skills and underlying concepts used by archaeologists, this unit covers a broad range of topics involved in studying the past. You will explore the nature and aims of archaeology, the history of the discipline, types of evidence and their recovery, dating, the scope of archaeological enquiry, the place of archaeology in contemporary life, and the ethics of archaeology regarding the present and the past.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply specialised knowledge and skills to identify the diverse sources of evidence used by archaeologists (including excavated, documentary and oral history, representational, observational, artefactual, environmental and other scientific evidence);
- demonstrate an applied, integrated understanding of the basic concepts which underpin the subject (such as stratigraphy and stratigraphic context, temporality and landscape);
- explain how archaeological histories are constructed and change from time to time in light of new concepts, theories, methods and discoveries; and
- apply specialised knowledge to describe the range of approaches to analysis of archaeological materials (such as archaeological uses of assemblage, culture and style; approaches to typology, taxonomy and ancient technology).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Quiz 1 No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Quiz 2 No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Students will engage in a written exercise that will require critical analysis of archaeological literature and/or data No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 4 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Online Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice
ISBN: 9780500297094
Renfrew, C. and Bahn, P.,DeMarris, E., Thames and Hudson 9th ed. 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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