AR1REV-Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: AR1REV10 Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits]
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Steve Mithen
Email: s.j.mithen@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module investigates the development of human society in the long-term, from our earliest hominin ancestors (c. 4 million years ago) through to the present day. We will look at key revolutions that have affected human behaviour in the long-term. Key themes include: human evolution, the development of complex societies, the spread of Christianity and Islam, the industrial revolution, and 20th century world wars. The module is taught by lectures, seminars and has a field trip.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of how archaeological research has shaped our knowledge of the development of human society over the last 4 million years, from our hominin ancestors through to the present day.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able: * to describe an outline chronology for the period, and name key sites and dates * to indicate an understanding of how archaeological methods are used to reconstruct stages in the development of human societies * to identify and outline the major issues of debate * to recognise the importance of the relationship between archaeology and related disciplines, including anthropology and history * to demonstrate a detailed unde rstanding of a key 'event' of the human past, and relate it to ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø and its surroundings * to assemble and synthesise archaeological evidence and interpretations in structured writing.

Additional outcomes:

This module aims to enhance the oral communication skills of students, as well as their awareness of problem-solving through written work and in seminars, and their participation in team-working through seminars and field visits. The lectures and the field trips are designed to increase powers of observation and develop a visual memory.

Outline content:

The module is arranged in two parts to give an overview of the prehistoric (from ancestral origins 4 million years ago through to the Iron Age) and historic periods (the Roman period through to the 20th century). It focuses on key developmental stages of human society as well as the archaeological traces of major events and cultural processes that have shaped our world. The topics covered by the course include early evolutionary origins, bipedalism, fire, the emergence of modern humans, the d evelopment of farming, metallurgy and complex societies, organised religion, the invention of writing and money, urbanisation, migrations, the spread of Christianity and Islam, the archaeology of conquest, European colonialism, the industrial revolution, archaeologies of the two World wars and the Holocaust, and the material culture of the present and future. The distinctive contribution of archaeological evidence will be stressed, as well as the role of anthropology and history.

Global context:

This module explores the archaeology of key stage in the development of human societies in an international context. Many of the case-studies examined on the module are drawn from continental Europe, alongside major examples from around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Autumn Term: Twenty illustrated lectures; three practical classes; one essay return seminar; one all-day field trip.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	3
Tutorials	2
External visits	8
Guided independent study:	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (independent)	25
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (directed)	30
Ìý Ìý Preparation for seminars	12
Ìý Ìý Carry-out research project	40
Ìý Ìý Essay preparation	40
Ìý Ìý Reflection	20
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• One essay, 2000 words (60%)


• One timeline, 2000 words (40%)

Students will write one essay of c.2000 words, worth 50%, investigating a key period/revolution of their choice. Drawing on sites, monuments and objects from around ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, and based on their original fieldwork, students will also produce a piece of group work – an illustrated timeline highlighting key cultural transformations covered within the module.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

An overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of coursework in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý None

4) Printing and binding:Ìý None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý None

Last updated: 24 June 2021