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 biological origins and the evolution of human 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. We investigate the development of agriculture, the emergence of new technologies and sedentary settlements, and the beginnings of the world's earliest civilisations.
| Paper title | Human Origins and Civilisations |
|---|---|
| Paper code | ANTH106 |
| Subject | Anthropology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| 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
- More information link
Please visit the Programme of Archaeology
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Anne Ford
Contributing Lecturer: Professor Glenn Summerhayes
- Teaching Arrangements
- Lectures and tutorials
- Textbooks
Scarre, C., The Human Past. Fourth edition. London : Thames & Hudson 2018
- 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.
