AR1RAT-Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day

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: 2023/4

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 from a long-term and global perspective. It traces the human journey from our earliest ancestors of c. 6 million years ago to the present day. The module considers the key revolutions and transitions that have affected human thought, behaviour and society, focussing on the evidence from material culture. Key themes include human evolution, the development of complex societies, the inventions of metallurgy and writing, the industrial and agricultural revolutions, and globalisation. The module is taught by a combination of online lectures, face-to-face seminars and lectures, and practical classes.

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 6 million years, from our earliest 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 possess an outline chronology for the human past


• to understand how archaeological methods are used to reconstruct the human past and the process of change


• to identify and outline major issues of debate about the human past


• to recognise the importance of the relationship between archaeology and related disciplines, including anthropology and history


• to assemble, synthesise and critically evaluate 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.

Outline content:

The module is arranged in 20 themes divided into four parts:

Following an introductory session,

Part 1 ‘Human Origins’ covers themes such as human biological and the earliest stages of cultural evolution, focussing on the origin of bipedalism, stone tools and fire, dispersal from Africa, the Neanderthals, origin of modern humans and the evolution of language, art and global colonisation. This Part includes a practical on stone tools.

Part 2 ‘From farming to civilisation’ covers themes such as Early and mid-Holocene developments, notably post-glacial colonisation, the origin of monumental architecture, farming, invention of metallurgy and writing, and the early civilisations. This part includes a practical on metal artefacts.

Part 3 ‘Urbanisation and Empires’ covers themes such as key aspects of early historic archaeology, notably urbanisation, post-Roman barbarian migrations and the spread of doctrinal religions. This part includes a practical on coins.

Part 4 ‘Towards the Present’ covers themes such as the feudal revolution, crusading, the scientific, agricultural, and industrial revolutions of the 16th-19th centuries, global conflict, globalisation, and digital revolutions of the 20th centuries.

The module concludes by asking whether understanding the long-term past has a bearing on the global challenges we face today.

Global context:

This module explores the archaeology of key stage in the development of human societies, seeking to provide a global perspective. This is more readily achieved for some periods than others because of the nature of the themes and evidence available. Some themes have a European focus, but these emphasise that Europe is simply providing a case study of generic processes of change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Autumn Term: Twenty illustrated face-to-face lectures/seminars, supported by screencasts; three practical classes; one essay preparation workshop.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars	11
Practicals classes and workshops	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Wider reading (directed)	30
Preparation for seminars	60
Essay preparation	40
Reflection	13
Total hours by term	200	0	0
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:

• Short essay, 1000 words (30%)

• Long essay, 2000 words (70%)

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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):

Last updated: 30 March 2023