The three disciplines of Anthropology, Archaeology and Biological Anthropology originally stem from a common quest to understand human beings as embodied subjects of culture and evolution. Each of the disciplines shares a core concern with cultural identity, difference and change across time and space, in both material and nonmaterial worlds. They deploy a wide range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies (fieldwork, lab work, data analysis) that in many ways bridge the divide between the humanities, the social sciences and the physical sciences. In introducing students to ways in which the three disciplines approach Nature and Culture, the course will build on the two overarching themes of Body and Environment. Within these, students will investigate key topics and case studies around bipedality, foodways, totemism, migration, archaeological tourism and more. Although materials and methods differ between disciplines, the challenge of the Anthropocene makes it more critical than ever to understand the past, present and future of our societies, and what it is that makes us human. This course provides a unique cross disciplinary perspective on these vital questions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate foundational disciplinary knowledge of anthropology, archaeology and biological anthropology;
- understand the diversity of theoretical and methodological frameworks (differences and similarities) across the three disciplines;
- demonstrate capacity for critical analysis of case studies and important empirical and conceptual issues relating to human diversity through the various disciplinary lenses; and
- evaluate how the disciplines are relevant to a better understanding of past, present and future societies.
Indicative Assessment
- 400 word response essay or comparable task testing comprehension of course readings and disciplinary language and concepts; requiring prior interactive teamwork done in tutorials (10% x 10; completed weekly) (100) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of workshop and workshop-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
Bernard H.R. (2006, 4th edition), Research methods in Anthropology, Qualitative and quantitative methods, Altamira press (open access)
Maric, L.P. (2015) Introducing Anthropology - What Makes Us Human?, Wiley Global Research (STMS). Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf.
Mitchell P. (2018), Introduction to archaeological methods and sources (open access: https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.013.367 )
Shook, B. et al Eds. (2019) Explorations: An Open Invitation to Biological Anthropology. (Eds). New York: American Anthropological Association. 2019.
Wragg Sykes, R. (2020), Kindred: Neanderthal life, love, death and art, Bloomsbury
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3604 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
