GES3880

Prehistoric people and environment

Dr John Grindrod and Ms Isabel Ellender

6 points - 3 hours per week on average (2 lectures and 1 lecture and 3-hour practical in alternate weeks) - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: second-year geography or permission of head of department - Prohibition: GES2882

Objectives In researching the literature on the ecological history of humans, students completing this subject should gain a broad knowledge of the biological and cultural evolution of humans through the Quaternary period; a sound understanding of the environmental context in which human development proceeded; an appreciation of the ecological role of early humans and their increasing environmental impact in the old world and the naive lands; a first-hand knowledge of selected prehistoric localities and features in southeastern Australia; and a familiarity with modern archaeological and palaeoenvironmental techniques.

Synopsis This subject traces the evolution of humans in Africa from hominid precursors, through the current palaeontological evidence for the development of the genus Homo. Modern humans are defined in genetic and evolutionary terms as a close ape relative. The movement of humans out of Africa and subsequent world colonisation is reviewed, while the characteristics which set humans apart from other animals is critically examined with reference to animal precursors to human behavioural traits. The archaeological evidence for the development of tool use and increasingly complex lifestyles is also reviewed. With this background the ecology of pre-industrial people, and the nature of long-standing relationships with the environment, are explored. An overview of the early arrival and sustained ecological influence of people in the Asutralasian region, linked to the social mechanisms and perceptions of modern indigenous peoples, provides an important insight into people-environment interactions.

Assessment Written (2000 words): 30% - Practical/field reports: 30% - Examination: (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Diamond J The rise and fall of the third chimpanzee Vintage, 1993
Dodson J The naive lands Longman Cheshire, 1993
Flannery T The future eaters Reed Brooks, 1994

Recommended texts

Fagan B People of the earth Scott Foresman, 1989
Flood J Archaeology of the dreamtime Collins, 1989
Williams M A J and others Quaternary environments Edward Arnold, 1993

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