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ARCH10160

Academic Year 2024/2025

The Human Past (ARCH10160)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Joanna Bruck
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will provide an introduction to the archaeology of the prehistoric and historic world through examining key points in the development of ancient human societies, e.g. the emergence of Homo Sapiens, and its spread across all parts of the world; the development of agriculture and the transition from nomadic to settled societies; the invention of metalworking and other technologies; the emergence of early states and empires; and the archaeology of the historical world. Case studies will be drawn from across the globe, including Europe, Asia and Africa. We will discuss the importance of a broad range of archaeological evidence (including some famous finds), and the module will outline some of the key ways in which these contributed to our understanding of diverse human societies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, you should be able to:
1) recognise the range of evidence emplyed by archaeologists to reconstruct aspects of the prehistoric and historic past.
2) explain how archaeologists have used this evidence to understand specific aspects of the prehistoric and historic world.
3) outline the significance of key points in the development of human societies.
4) construct an archaeological essay, using archaeological evidence, and displaying a critical use of appropriate bibliography

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics will include the material evidence for:
Human evolution
The development of human prehistoric culture and society
The Neolithic revolution and the development of farming
Early metallurgy and the emergence of the Bronze Age
The emergence of Greek and Roman civilisation
Early and Late Medieval Europe
The archaeology of the historic world

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Lectures

24
Tutorial

6
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The primary vehicles for teaching are lectures and tutorial, which are measured through the assessments.

There will normally be 22 lectures. In lectures, the primary content of the course will be presented. Learning materials in the form of notes and bibliographies will be provided.
During the tutorials, the tutorials will introduce additional materials, for group based learning in the form of small tasks, discussions and debates about key themes presented in the lectures. There will also be opportunity for preparation for the assessments.
The assessments offer opportunity for critical thinking and writing. They will test your engagement with the overall material.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ARCH10020 - Out of the Distant Past

Additional Information:
Archaeology PhD students (DRHSC001 Z117, DRHSC001 Z118) may audit only


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): 1500 word essay (1 of 4 titles set) Week 12 Graded No
60
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): 750 word review, with a set question Week 7 Graded No
30
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Fortnightly online MCQ test (10 questions per test). A total of three MCQ quizzes will be held. Each quiz is completed online via Brightspace. Week 4, Week 6, Week 8 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

UCD School of Archaeology uses standard feedback sheets for all modules. Your feedback is provided on this form - the form also contains feed forward details - this will help you think about how you could improve your approach in future assignments.

Name Role
Professor Joanna Bruck Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Neil Carlin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Kate Kanne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ryan Lash Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Helen Lewis Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Angela McAteer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Meriel McClatchie Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Barry Molloy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Tadhg O'Keeffe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan O'Neill Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Anita Radini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rob Sands Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Jessica Smyth Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Meaghan Mackie Tutor
Ms Cara McDonnell Tutor
Ms Keelin Murphy Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
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