Archaeology of Complex Societies (ANCW40003)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This seminar examines the concept of complexity from an archaeological perspective. It surveys various cultural traditions, focusing on issues associated with the emergence and development of social, economic and political complexity such as the advent of sedentism, early villages, the evolution of urban, literate societies, city-states and incipient supra-regional polities, and ancient "world empires". Students should complete the subject with a critical understanding of historical and contemporary theoretical issues in archaeological research and interpretation concerned with complexity, and have a knowledge of various methodologies utilised toward these interpretative ends.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Discuss historical and contemporary theoretical issues in archaeological research and interpretation concerned with complexity
  • Utilize various methodologies toward these interpretation concerned with complexity
  • Analyse and evaluate the material remains and archaeological evidence of complex societies, including their social, political, economic, and religious structures, and the processes that contributed to their rise and decline
  • Critically examine the challenges and limitations associated with studying complex societies through archaeological data, and develop strategies to address these challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and innovative techniques.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Develop critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate concepts, beliefs, considering multiple perspectives, and supporting evidence
  • Communicate effectively in writing and synthesis an argument in cogent form
  • Evaluate the impact of social, ethical, and cultural contexts
  • Acquire greater confidence in tackling unfamiliar problems
  • Reflect on the communication conventions of another culture
  • Conduct independent research and effectively manage information. 

 

Last updated: 4 March 2025