The course examines the archaeological evidence for broad-scale cultural and social developments in China from the time of arrival of modern humans (ca. 40,000 years before present) through the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220). Specific topics include: the nature of early hunting and gathering societies; the emergence of plant and animal domestication; the development of metallurgy and the roles of agriculture, technology, trade and warfare in the rise of advanced civilization during the Shang and Zhou periods; innovation and competition among the Eastern Zhou states; the significance of ancient texts; the unification of China under the First Emperor; and continuing political, intellectual and artistic achievements during the 400-year-long Han Dynasty.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On successful completion of this course students will have the skills and knowledge to:
1. Discuss major research issues in Chinese archaeology in full detail, with reference to a number of real-life examples, and in comparison to the body of global-scale research in other regions;
2. Critique the portrayals of Chinese archaeology in history in academic literature, using in-depth critical analysis of logical arguments and developing original new interpretations with independent thought;
3. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the processes and impacts of cultural events and developments in China throughout the time-span of approximately 40,000 BC through AD 220, furthermore accounting for the varied contexts of different time periods and geographic areas within this large scope; 
4. Apply this information toward independent new research of the Asia-Pacific region or cross-regionally, clarifying how the knowledge of Chinese archaeology contributes in world scholarship; and
5. Communicate the technical findings, methodologies and theories of Chinese archaeology to both specialised academic and general audiences, through effective measurable output.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to the course. Geography, environment, peoples and cultures of China; History of archaeological research in China; What is archaeology	Lecture 1-2
2	The Chinese Paleolithic - important sites and fossils; The arrival of modern humans;	Lecture 3-4
3	The Neolithic transition in China - final hunter-gatherers in prehistoric China. The world’s earliest pottery and its makers	Lecture 5-6
4	The multiple origins of food production and ancient human migrations – a global view; Guest Lecture by Prof. Peter Bellwood. The first farmers and their settlements in China, 7500–7000 BC	Lecture 7-8
5	Origins of animal domestication in China. Neolithic developments in the Yangtze Valley	Lecture 9-10
6	The Liangzhu urban complex and jade production, 3000–2300 BC. Ancient human migrations from coastal southern China to the Pacific islands; Guest Lecture by Dr. Mike Carson	Lecture 11-12
7	Teaching Break
8	Teaching Break
9	Archaeology in Taiwan. Neolithic developments in the Yellow River Valley and the Yangshao Culture	Lecture 13-14
10	Neolithic developments in northwest China and Inner Mongolia- from Xinglongwa to Hongshan. Cultural interaction between Neolithic China and neighboring regions	Lecture 15-16
11	Longshan- developments towards civilization. Erlitou and the Xia- founding dynasty or myth	Lecture 17-18
12	The Shang- China’s first historical dynasty. Shanxingdui- a mysterious civilization in southwestern China	Lecture 19-20
13	Early Chinese writing in the Neolithic and Shang periods. The Western and Eastern Zhou- important archaeological discoveries	Lecture 21-22
14	Qin (221-206 BC). Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220)	Lecture 23-24

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Participation in class and tutorial sessions	10 %	29/10/2021	28/11/2021	1, 2, 3
Tutorial Discussion Presentation	30 %	29/10/2021	28/11/2021	4,5
First Essay 2000 words	30 %	31/08/2021	30/09/2021	4, 5
Second Essay 2000 words	30 %	05/11/2021	28/11/2021	4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Each student will be expected to participate in weekly tutorial sessions. Students will be given opportunities to confirm basic understanding of the information covered, as well as to participate in brief questions and discussions. The participation will count as 10% of the final grading.

Assessment Task 1

Participation in class and tutorial sessions

Each student will be expected to participate in weekly tutorial sessions. Students will be given opportunities to confirm basic understanding of the information covered, as well as to participate in brief questions and discussions. The participation will count as 10% of the final grading.

Assessment Task 2

Tutorial Discussion Presentation

No excuses for missing tutorials (except doctor’s certificates)

Each student will select a topic for a 20-mintue presentation. The schedule will be decided during the first tutorial meeting. The presentation will count as 30% of the final grading.

 

Each 20-minute presentation will focus on an important topic from the prehistoric and early historic records, to be selected from the list provided below. Students who wish to present a different topic that is not listed may do so after consultation about suitability of that topic with the lecturer.

 

No written work needs to be produced for tutorial assessment, which will be based on what is actually shown at the time of the presentation. These short talks should list important points about the entity being described, such as date, location, cultural content, significance within biological and cultural evolution, intriguing attached debates etc., and should reference sources of information as in the writing of an essay.

 

Presenters can use Powerpoint, overheads, or photocopied hand-outs and will address the class. A brief period of questions and discussion will follow each presentation.

Assessment Task 3

First Essay 2000 words

Two essays due on 31 August and 5 November. Each essay will count as 30% each of the final grading.

 

Each essay should demonstrate the student’s comprehension of the research topic and its significance, as well as the relevance of this topic to the course overall.

 

Each essay should demonstrate the student’s understanding of material and information covered during lectures, tutorial sessions, and assigned readings in relation to the chosen essay topic.

Assessment Task 4

Second Essay 2000 words

Two essays due on 31 August and 5 November. Each essay will count as 30% each of the final grading.

 

Each essay should demonstrate the student’s comprehension of the research topic and its significance, as well as the relevance of this topic to the course overall.

 

Each essay should demonstrate the student’s understanding of material and information covered during lectures, tutorial sessions, and assigned readings in relation to the chosen essay topic.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students