ANTHRO 306: Pacific Archaeology

SEMESTER TWO, 2019

15 points

 
Course Convenor and Teacher: 

Ethan Cochrane - e.cochrane@auckland.ac.nz; office hour - Thursdays, 10-11 am,  201E-720

Course delivery format:

Day 1: 120 minute session with first hour lecture and second hour activity

Day 2: 60 minute session as lecture.

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

Summary of Course Description:              

In Pacific Archaeology we will discuss the origins of Pacific Island populations and ensuing cultural changes beginning over 40,000 years ago to recent times. The course will examine the archaeological sequences of major archipelagos and pay special attention to current theoretical and methodological issues on topics such as colonisation, human impact on ancient environments and the generation of cultural diversity. Students can expect to master a diverse body of knowledge and critically assess current topics in Pacific archaeology that are broadly applicable to all regions of the world.

Course outcomes:

The aims of "Pacific Archaeology" are:

• The development of critical analytical skills
• The application of knowledge about the Pacific Island past to multiple fields of inquiry
• Increasing skill with written analysis and verbal discussion of ideas

The objectives we will work toward in achieving these aims are:

• Acquiring general knowledge about the Pacific Island past through lectures, reading and discussion
• The application of theoretical and methodological issues in Pacific Island archaeology to other regions and disciplines
• The evalution of methods and proposed explanations in Pacific Island archaeology

Students who attend lectures, participate in discussion (traditional or using Kahoot!), engage with the material by taking thorough notes and reading closely and who complete all assigned work should be able to reach these aims and objectives.

Assessment Summary

The course is assessed by coursework only, including a map test, objective data test, two essays (1000 and 2500 words, respectively), and a class discussion review (requiring discussion participation)

Prescribed Texts:

The Oxford Handbook of Prehistoric Oceania will provide most class readings.

Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly.You must submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension following these regulations. Essays and other coursework will be marked in accordance with the Faculty of Arts Coursework and Examination Guidelines. All submitted coursework must not contravene The University of Auckland Student Code of Conduct (including plagiarism and self-plagiarism) or official disciplinary procedures will be followed.

Weekly Schedule (also available at ANTHRO 306 Weekly Schedule and this page)