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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 civilisations.

    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 Civilisations
    Subject Anthropology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,243.65
    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.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 15:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    Friday 13:00-13:50 29-35, 37-42

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 10:00-10:50 30-35, 37-41
    A3 Wednesday 12:00-12:50 30-35, 37-41
    A4 Wednesday 09:00-09:50 30-35, 37-41
    A5 Monday 11:00-11:50 30-35, 37-41
    A6 Monday 09:00-09:50 30-35, 37-41
    A7 Monday 13:00-13:50 30-35, 37-41
    A8 Monday 12:00-12:50 30-35, 37-41
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