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Overview

Understanding the emergence of world agriculture from an archaeological perspective. Detailed case examples will be given from China, the Near East, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific.

Understanding the emergence of world agriculture from an archaeological perspective. Detailed case examples will be given from China, the Near East, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific.

The warming of the earth some 10,000 years ago marks the independent invention of agriculture across the globe. This ‘Neolithic Revolution’ was one of the most important milestones of Humankind which led to major changes to Human Society!! Yet, many parts of the world took a different path towards its appearance. Take a journey with us in studying the development of agriculture in the Near East, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Pacific. The latest findings from across the globe will be presented.

About this paper

Paper title The Emergence of Agriculture: An Archaeological Journey
Subject Anthropology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2026 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One of ANTH 103, ANTH 104, ANTH 106, ARCH 101 or 54 points
Restriction
ANTH 331, ARCH 305
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

glenn.summerhayes@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Professor Glenn Summerhayes

Textbooks

There are many books on the emergence of agriculture. The recommended text book is:
G. Barker 2006. The Agricultural Revolution in Prehistory: Why did Foragers become Farmers. OUP.

This is major reference for this course. His chapters cover most of the lectures I will present.

Course outline

Will be available at the first lecture and on Blackboard.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
  • Develop a critical understanding the emergence of world agriculture from an archaeological perspective. Detailed case examples will be given from China, the Near East, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific.
  • Understand the impact of this ‘Revolution’ on human society.
  • Develop the analytical abilities in undertaking research into the past using primary and secondary sources to construct arguments articulating these within structured works.
  • Develop an understanding of the principles that govern natural systems, the effects of human activity on these systems, and the cultures and economies that interact with those systems.
  • Understanding why archaeology is fun.

Overview

Understanding the emergence of world agriculture from an archaeological perspective. Detailed case examples will be given from China, the Near East, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific.

The warming of the earth some 10,000 years ago marks the independent invention of agriculture across the globe. This ‘Neolithic Revolution’ was one of the most important milestones of Humankind which led to major changes to Human Society!! Yet, many parts of the world took a different path towards its appearance. Take a journey with us in studying the development of agriculture in the Near East, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Pacific. The latest findings from across the globe will be presented.

About this paper

Paper title The Emergence of Agriculture: An Archaeological Journey
Subject Anthropology
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027 (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.
Prerequisite
One of ANTH 103, ANTH 104, ANTH 106, ARCH 101 or 54 points
Restriction
ANTH 331, ARCH 305
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Contact

glenn.summerhayes@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Professor Glenn Summerhayes

Textbooks

There are many books on the emergence of agriculture. The recommended text book is:

  • G. Barker 2006. The Agricultural Revolution in Prehistory: Why did Foragers become Farmers. OUP.

This is major reference for this course. His chapters cover most of the lectures I will present.

Course outline

Will be available at the first lecture and on Aoroa.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
  • Develop a critical understanding the emergence of world agriculture from an archaeological perspective. Detailed case examples will be given from China, the Near East, Europe, the Americas and the Pacific.
  • Understand the impact of this ‘Revolution’ on human society.
  • Develop the analytical abilities in undertaking research into the past using primary and secondary sources to construct arguments articulating these within structured works.
  • Develop an understanding of the principles that govern natural systems, the effects of human activity on these systems, and the cultures and economies that interact with those systems.
  • Understanding why archaeology is fun.
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