GSC2806

Koorie archaeology

Isabel Ellender

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Gippsland (Diploma of Koorie Studies students only)/Distance
* Prerequisites: GSC2801 or equivalent (on-campus students); GSC1801 or permission (distance students)

Objectives To introduce students to the concepts of archaeology, the nature of archaeological information, and its explanation and interpretation. The subject encourages students to explore chosen subsections in greater detail and challenges students with different perspectives of the legislation, ethics and politics of Aboriginal archaeology.

Synopsis This subject commences with an examination of the aims, theories and techniques of archaeology. It then adopts a historical framework for studying biological and cultural evolution in a global context that converges on traditional Aboriginal ways of life over the last 40,000 years. In particular, the hunting and gathering way of life will be studied through its archaeological expression and ethnohistorical accounts. The legislation, ethics, politics and social issues currently pertaining to archaeology in Australia are a persistent theme throughout. Students will have the opportunity to focus in more detail on rock art and bio-archaeology. A field excursion will be conducted to an area of archaeological significance.

Assessment Assignment one (500- 800 words): 15%
* Mini research project (2500 words): 30%
* Journal: 55%

Prescribed texts

Frankel D Remains to be seen Longman Cheshire, 1991
Flood J Archaeology of the Dreamtime Collins, 1995