Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Great Discoveries in Archaeology introduces students to the global human past through the lens of archaeology's most remarkable finds. From the first stone tools in East Africa to the cities of ancient Mesopotamia, the tombs of Egypt, Stonehenge, Angkor Wat, and the ice mummy Ötzi, this unit explores the diversity of human experience across continents and millennia. Students will learn how archaeologists uncover, date, interpret, and debate evidence—from bones and buildings to ancient DNA and satellite imagery. Key themes include human evolution, migration, the rise of farming, cities, empires, inequality and identity. Australian archaeology is featured through early Indigenous occupation and contemporary heritage issues. Alongside major discoveries, students are introduced to the history of archaeological thought, core field and analytical methods, and cutting-edge science. This unit provides a thrilling foundation for thinking like an archaeologist—and understanding the deep history of humanity.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) On-campus -
The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 core unit in the Archaeology major sequence
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe key archaeological discoveries from around the world and explain their significance in shaping our understanding of human history; (2) identify major developments in human societies, including migration, agriculture, urbanism, and social inequality, using archaeological evidence; (3) explain different archaeological methods and approaches, from excavation and dating techniques to ancient DNA and remote sensing; (4) explain how archaeological knowledge is produced, including the role of interpretation, controversy, and ongoing debate; and (5) recognise the ethical dimensions of archaeology, including the rights of Indigenous peoples and the preservation of cultural heritage..
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) presentation; (2) quizzes; and (3) written work. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Alistair Paterson
- Unit rules
- Incompatibility
- ARCY1101 Digging up the Past
- Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):(1) Field trip - WA Museum (estimated cost - 20)
(2) Field trip - heritage site (estimated cost - 20). - Contact hours
- Up to 3 hours per week
- Note
- This unit teaches skills and content that are recognised and can be recorded as Group A and/or Group B Skills according to the Australian Archaeology Skills Passport of the Australian Archaeological Association: https://australianarchaeologicalassociation.com.au/careers-resources/the-australian-archaeology-skills-passport/
To deliver the individual and group learning outcomes of this unit, participation in all learning experiences and assessment tasks is essential. Non-participation will result in some, or all vital content being missed, marks not earned, and/or penalties being applied.
The weekly 2-hour lecture involves in-class practical activities that are fun and develop your archaeological skills. Participation is highly desirable. The Lecture Capture System does not fully record these hands-on activities. Students enrolled in this unit have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip and learn directly from WAM curators about some of the stories behind the exhibition displays of Perth's biggest museum - Texts
Renfrew, Colin and Paul Bahn 2024
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.