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ARCH31020

Academic Year 2024/2025

Understanding Human Origins (ARCH31020)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Robert Power
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 explores current thought on human origins. We will explore human evolution in biological and cultural terms through an understanding of multidisciplinary research in archaeology, palaeoanthropology, genetics, palaeoenvironmental studies, and chronology. The course will balance imparting a strong understanding of concepts and theoretical approaches with familiarity with the latest evidence from fossils and archaeology. Major themes will include hominin species, admixture, behavioural modernity and the rise of sedentary societies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:


1) demonstrate familiarity with the methodologies used to study early prehistory and an understanding of human evolution.

2) have a broad understanding of the chronology of Pleistocene and early Holocene dispersals of hominins in Eurasia

3) critically review and assess the emergence of behavioural human modernity in the context of Eurasia and Africa.

4) demonstrated ability to comprehend, synthesise and present theoretical models and archaeological data.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

33
Autonomous Student Learning

45
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures that include active/task-based learning.
This module uses a combination of online materials, case studies and class-based sessions.

Critical writing skills developed through two assessments.
You may choose to use generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) to find, learn about and understand suitable resources (i.e. for background research). You must avoid AI for writing of assessments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Project Week 7 Graded No
30
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay Week 14 Graded No
70
 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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback within four weeks after submission of project/ essay. Feedback will be provided through the VLE using a rubric.

Klein, Richard G. (2009). The human career: Human biological and cultural origins. University of Chicago Press.

Scarre, C, ed., (2009). The human past: world prehistory & the development of human societies. London: Thames & Hudson. Chapters 2-4.

Aiello, L., & Dean, C. (1990). An introduction to human evolutionary anatomy. Academic Press.

Jones, S (1994). The Cambridge encyclopedia of human evolution. Cambridge: Cambridge.

Fagan, Brian M., and Nadia Durrani. (2021) World Prehistory: the Basics, Taylor & Francis Group.

Hawks, John. Weblog. https://johnhawks.net/weblog/

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 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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