Key facts
UNE unit code: ARPA100
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
To learn about archaeological discoveries is to understand the human story and unravel the material history of our world. This unit shows how the past is reconstructed by taking you on a world-wide survey of important archaeological finds. It provides valuable insights into the connection between material traces and past human behaviour, as illustrated by famous excavations at sites in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia.
You will examine diverse types of archaeological information - from the ordinary to the astonishing - including hominin and human remains, megaliths and middens, engraved and flaked stones, and painted caves and temples.
You will also explore each case study against larger themes in human history, such as human evolution, plant and animal domestication, the emergence of socio-economic complexity, trade, migration, industrialisation and colonialism.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
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:
- identify major events in prehistory and how they were discovered and described using archaeological methods;
- demonstrate an applied, integrated understanding of foundational archaeological theories as they relate to key discoveries;
- apply knowledge of the ways that social contexts of researchers influence archaeological narratives;
- apply specialised knowledge and skills to gather appropriate resources to examine the literature pertaining to archaeological discoveries; and
- analyse and synthesise archaeological literature and its contributions to reconstructing past societies, and transmit information and skills to others.
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.
The Human Past: World Prehistory & the Development of Human Societies
ISBN: 9780500296318
Scarre, C., Thames & Hudson 5th Edition 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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