UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

Over the last 500 years, the foundations for the modern world were created. New global interconnections were established as people and resources were moved around the globe and societies were impacted like never before. This was the time of European colonialism and Empire and new forms of social and environmental exploitation. This unit examines the role of Australia and the Indo-Pacific in these dramatic developments that continue to shape everyone's life on the planet. We use research-led teaching by examining maritime and terrestrial sites in Western Australia with a focus on Perth as well as key sites including the Batavia shipwreck and survivor's camp. Experts from the Western Australian Museum and the State Library provide insights into how historical and maritime research is planned, conducted, and disseminated. Contemporary issues such as managing historical and maritime archaeological locations are addressed through case studies like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fremantle Prison and National Trust properties. Skills training includes the critical use of historical sources, artefacts, GIS, and underwater archaeology techniques. Come on in and get your feet wet!

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Archaeology major sequence
• Level 3 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the key terms, features, and definitions of historical and maritime archaeology.; (2) understand the dominant themes in global historical and maritime archaeology.; (3) analyse the key forms of information available to historical and maritime archaeologists and the interpretive potential and challenge of historical sources in archaeological analysis.; (4) evaluate various theoretical frameworks and methods used in historical and maritime archaeology.; (5) understand the specific ethical considerations involved in historical and maritime archaeology and heritage management.; and (6) evaluate the impact of climatic, physical, cultural, and environmental factors in the understanding of the settlement and occupation of Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) professional case report; (2) field trip technical assignments; and (3) laboratory activities. 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

Prerequisites

Successful completion of ARCY1001 Think Like an Archaeologist
and ARCY1002 Experimenting with Archaeology and one of

ARCY2000 The Archaeology of Creativity
or ARCY2006 Archaeology of Death
or ARCY2100 Heritage Futures
or ARCY2220 Doing Archaeology: Fieldschool

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):
Field trips in the Perth metro (estimated cost - $20-30).

Contact hours

3 hours per week (3-hour seminar)

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.