Archaeoastronomy (PHYC20017)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2025 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook up fees

Ancient and Indigenous cultures of the world developed knowledge systems and constructed monuments that reflect ancient understandings of the Sun, Moon, and stars. The Sun and night sky played an important role in ritual, ceremony, power structures, architecture, and social development. Today, much of this knowledge is restricted to the material record in the form of artefacts, rock art, stone arrangements, and monuments, paying particular reference to the local landscape and skyscape. This subject will introduce students to the inter-discipline of archaeoastronomy (a branch of cultural astronomy) with respect to the astronomical knowledge and material culture of ancient Indigenous cultures around the world, focusing on the ancient cultures, such as Mesoamerica, the Mediterranean, Mesopotamia, east Asia, and Africa. The subject will provide a rigorous study of the ancient developments of astronomy while offering reflections on cross-cultural studies of science.


Central questions are Why did ancient peoples develop monuments and stone arrangements to link to important celestial events? What are some of the earliest recorded accounts of astronomical knowledge and what does this tell us about ancient uses of astronomy? What role did astronomy play in the power and politics of large civilisations, such as those of the ancient Egyptians, Maya, Aztecs, and Inca? How were buildings constructed to observe important celestial markers? What are the theoretical frameworks of archaeoastronomy? What tools can we use to rigorously critique fringe claims and challenge pseudoscience operating under the guise of archaeoastronomy?

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Develop a foundational theoretical understanding and knowledge of current research, debates, and practices in archaeoastronomy with respect to ancient cultures from a multidisciplinary perspective
  • Critically analyse theories in archaeoastronomy through debate and evidence-based research
  • Evaluate the methodological approaches and techniques informing archaeoastronomy, drawing from cultural, political, archaeological, and statistical frameworks and practices
  • Evaluate and critique fringe ideas and pseudoscientific claims in archaeoastronomy

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills: 

  • Apply problem-solving skills to analyse and critique ideas in interdisciplinary scholarship
  • Develop analytical skills to conduct independent research including the appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument
  • Demonstrate ethical integrity in written work and classroom activities
  • Develop effective communication and presentation skills (written and oral), and the ability to collaborate constructively within the classroom

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

It is strongly recommended that students have a background in astronomy or archeology, or have completed either one of the following subjects: 

PHYC10010 HPSC20015

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Critical Essay

  • 1000 words
Week 425%

Mid Semester Test

  • 30 minutes (each)
Week 612.5%

Final Week Test

  • 30 minutes
Week 1212.5%

Major Essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%

Additional details

This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorDuane Hamacher
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

Time commitment details

One 1000-word assignment, due Week 4, weighted 25% (requiring approximately 25-hours of work) One 30-minute mid-semester quiz, undertaken in Week 6, weighted 12.5% (requiring approximately 12.5-hours of work each) One 30-minute end-of-semester quiz, undertaken in Week 10, weighted 12.5% (requiring approximately 12.5-hours of work) One 2000-word exam, due in the examination period, weighted 50% (requiring approximately 50-hours of work)

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

This Dual-Delivery subject has On Campus assessment components.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025