What was life like for people in the past? To find out, archaeologists study their material culture—the things they left behind. Courses in the Asian and Pacific Archaeology minor offer insight into the origins, development and, sometimes, the disappearance of diverse and astonishing cultures in Asia and the Pacific. Students also are introduced to the techniques that archaeologists use to search for and collect artefacts from past cultures, and the key ideas and theories that bring the past into focus. The perspective gained through focused study of the Asian and Pacific human past can be effectively employed in many fields and across other geographic regions.
Check out the range of student experiences in these videos:
Digging Deep: Archaeology of China: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R34wCpvxisg
We know the Asia-Pacific, meet Tim Maloney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygfHeg4cyrw
Ice Age Islanders: Location of ASIA2220 Archaeology Fieldschool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIhA_1tNMKA
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate a nuanced and reflective understanding of the complexities of past societies in the Asia-Pacific region
Identify and critique the capabilities and limits of archaeological evidence
Critically evaluate ideas and debate issues regarding Asian and Pacific population movements, expansions and developments in long-term contexts
Demonstrate an understanding of the different approaches and methods that archaeology uses to synthesise knowledge about the past, and how they apply to local, regional and wider issues in contemporary society
Exercise critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems, individually and in groups
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
12 units from the completion of the following course(s):
ARCH1111 Archaeology Uncovered (6 units)
ASIA2301 Human Migration and Expansion in the Rise of the Asia-Pacific (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units from completion of course(s) in the following list:
ARCH2005 Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders (6 units)
ARCH2050 Archaeology of Southeast Asia (6 units)
ASIA2112 Special Topics in Asian and Pacific Studies (6 units)
ASIA2203 Archaeology of China (6 units)
A minimum of 6 units from completion of course(s) in the following list:
ARCH2007 Archaeological Laboratory Methods
ASIA2022 Study Tour: Cultural Landscapes and Environmental Change in Asia and the Pacific (6 units)
ASIA2044 Chinese History: The Imperial Period (221 BC - 1800) (6 units)
ASIA2220 Asia-Pacific In-Country Learning (6 units)*
ASIA2270 India Past and Present: The Impact of pre-colonial history on India today (6 units)
*Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesian field schools only.
Back to the top
