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 civilisation 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:

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.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture 1: Introduction to the course - discussion of course content and assessment, tutorial times, general overview of topics to be coveredLecture 2: Geography, environment, peoples and cultures of China; History of archaeological research in China; What is archaeology
2	Lecture 3: The Chinese Paleolithic- important sites and fossils Lecture 4: The arrival of modern humans	Set the tutorial presentation schedule and choose topics
3	Lecture 5: The Neolithic transition in China - final hunter-gatherers in prehistoric ChinaLecture 6: The world’s earliest pottery and its makers	Tutorial presentation
4	Lecture 7: The multiple origins of food production and ancient human migrations – a global view;Lecture 8: The first farmers and their settlements in China, 7500–7000 BC	Tutorial presentation
5	Lecture 9: Origins of animal domestication in ChinaLecture 10: Neolithic developments in the Yangtze Valley	Tutorial presentation
6	Lectures 11-12: The Liangzhu urban complex and jade production, 3000–2300 BC	Tutorial presentation
7	Lecture 13: Archaeology in coastal Southern China and TaiwanLecture 14: Ancient human migrations from coastal southern China to the Pacific islands	Tutorial presentation
8	Lecture 15: Neolithic developments in the Yellow River Valley and the Yangshao CultureLecture 16: Neolithic developments in northwest China and Inner Mongolia- from Xinglongwa to Hongshan	Tutorial presentation
9	Lecture 17: Longshan- developments towards civilizationLecture 18: Erlitou and the Xia- founding dynasty or myth?	Tutorial presentation
10	Lecture 19: The Shang- China’s first historical dynastyLecture 20: Shanxingdui- a mysterious civilization in southwestern China	Tutorial presentation
11	Lecture 21: The Western and Eastern Zhou- important archaeological discoveriesLecture 22: The First Emperor- Qin (221-206 BC)	Tutorial presentation
12	Lecture 23: Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)Lecture 24: Conclusion	Tutorial presentation

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Participation in discussions of two key questions from each lecture	10 %	30/10/2026	15/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Oral Presentation	20 %	30/10/2026	15/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5
First Essay	30 %	24/08/2026	28/08/2026	1,2,3
Second Essay	30 %	05/11/2026	15/11/2026	1,2,3
Engagement with classmates and answering the questions provided after each tutorial presentation	10 %	30/10/2026	15/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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.

Assessment Task 1

Participation in discussions of two key questions from each lecture

Students are expected to attend all weekly lectures and actively participate in critical discussions by responding to two questions provided by the lecturer after each lecture. Responses should demonstrate critical engagement with the lecture content, relevant archaeological evidence, and current scholarly literature. All Q&A activities will be recorded.

Assessment Task 2

Oral Presentation

Students are required to deliver a 20-minute seminar presentation on a significant topic in Chinese archaeology during one tutorial session. Following the presentation, the presenter should provide one discussion question and facilitate a scholarly discussion among the class. The presentation and discussion will be recorded. Each seminar should critically examine an important topic relating to the prehistoric or early historic archaeology of China. Students may choose a topic provided by the lecturer, or propose an alternative topic that aligns with the aims of the course.

The presentation should move beyond describing archaeological evidence. Students are expected to critically evaluate current scholarship, synthesise archaeological data from multiple sources, assess competing interpretations, and develop an original, evidence-based argument. Presentations should demonstrate an understanding of the broader significance of the topic within Chinese archaeology and, where appropriate, its implications for wider archaeological debates. Assessment will be based on the quality of the seminar presentation as delivered, including the depth of analysis, critical engagement with the literature, effective use of archaeological evidence, organisation, clarity of presentation, and the ability to facilitate scholarly discussion. No written submission is required.

Presenters may use PowerPoint or other appropriate presentation media. All visual materials should be clearly referenced and professionally prepared. Following each presentation, the presenter is expected to lead a discussion by encouraging critical debate and responding thoughtfully to questions and alternative viewpoints raised by classmates. All seminar presentations and the subsequent discussion sessions will be recorded and made available on the course Canvas site for assessment validation purposes.

Assessment Task 3

First Essay

The first essay should demonstrate the student's advanced understanding of a specific research topic in Chinese archaeology by critically analysing the relevant literature, evaluating competing interpretations, and presenting an original, evidence-based argument.

First Essay: 2,500 words, excluding references.

 

Assessment Task 4

Second Essay

The second essay should demonstrate the student's ability to critically evaluate a selected research topic by integrating archaeological evidence and current scholarship, while assessing its broader implications for Chinese archaeology and global archaeological research.

Second Essay: 2,500 words, excluding references.

Assessment Task 5

Engagement with classmates and answering the questions provided after each tutorial presentation

Students are expected to attend all tutorial sessions, actively engage in critical discussion, and contribute thoughtful, evidence-based responses to one designated question following each classmate's presentation. The question will be provided by the presenter. Students should draw upon relevant archaeological evidence and current scholarship in their discussions. Both the tutorial and Q&A sessions will be recorded.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students