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Overview

A review of archaeological evidence for the origins and cultural development of the human species from its earliest appearance up to and including the rise of early societies.

This paper explores fundamental questions about human origins and the evolution of culture and society. What, where and how did our species emerge? What happened during the Stone Age; what was the Neolithic Revolution? How and why did complex societies or civilisations develop globally? The paper pursues answers to these questions and many more, drawing on the archaeological record of our human past, beginning with our African origins millions of years ago. 

About this paper

Paper title Human Origins and Ancient Worlds
Subject Anthropology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
ANTH 104, ARCH 101
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility
This paper is available to all students.
Contact

Associate Professor Anne Ford

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Anne Ford

 

Teaching Arrangements

Lectures and tutorials.

Textbooks

Scarre, C., The Human Past. Fifth edition. London : Thames & Hudson 2024

Course outline
The course outline is available at the first lecture and on Blackboard.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing this paper will have gained a sound knowledge of the fundamental biological, social and technological changes that occurred over the last few million years that resulted in the emergence of modern human populations and societies. They will appreciate the richness and complexity of human history, the principles of scientific inquiry into the human past, and fundamentals of evaluating and presenting alternative theories and ideas.

Overview

A review of archaeological evidence for the origins and cultural development of the human species from its earliest appearance up to and including the rise of early societies.

This paper explores fundamental questions about human origins and the evolution of culture and society. What, where and how did our species emerge? How did transitions to farming and sedentism affect human societies?

How and why did complex societies develop globally? The paper pursues answers to these questions and many more, drawing on the archaeological record of our human past, beginning with our African origins millions of years ago.

About this paper

Paper title Human Origins and Ancient Worlds
Subject Anthropology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Restriction
ANTH 104, ARCH 101
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Eligibility

This paper is available to all students.

Contact

Associate Professor Anne Ford

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Anne Ford

Teaching Staff: Dr Charles Radclyffe

Dr Natasha Phillips

Teaching Arrangements

Lectures and tutorials.

Textbooks

Scarre, C., The Human Past. Fifth edition. London: Thames & Hudson 2024.

Course outline

The course outline is available at the first lecture and on Aoroa.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students completing this paper will:

  • Have gained a sound knowledge of the fundamental biological, social and technological changes that occurred over the last few million years that resulted in the emergence of modern human populations and societies.
  • Appreciate the richness and complexity of human history, the principles of scientific inquiry into the human past and the fundamentals of evaluating and presenting alternative theories and ideas.

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