AR1REV10-Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits]

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: AR1REV Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present
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.

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 assemble and synthesise arc haeological 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. The lectures are also 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	30
Essay preparation	40
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One digital poster, 2000 words (100%)

Students will produce a digital timeline based on 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: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 24 June 2021