ARCH2202 Archaeology of the First Australians

The core of this topic involves an examination of Australian archaeology within a regional context. The prehistory of Australia will be viewed in relation to archaeological evidence from Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The general aims are to convey to students an awareness of how archaeologists work, the nature of their data base, and the kinds of information and interpretation upon which the archaeological view of Australia's past has been constructed. At the same time, students will acquire a broad knowledge of archaeological perceptions of Australia's past as well as current research trends.

Subjects to be covered include: historical development of archaeology in Australia; the nature of the archaeological record; data recovery, analysis and interpretation; Aboriginal colonisation of Australasia and the Pacific; prehistoric adaptations in diverse mainland and island habitats; resource management; the evolution of social complexity; the archaeology of culture contact; archaeology and contemporary Aboriginal culture; current research and important issues and Australian archaeology in world perspectives.

This topic aims to:

• Address the major techniques used in Indigenous Australian archaeology
• Give a chronological overview of the Indigenous history of Australia
• Develop critical responses to theory and evidence
• Develop students' awareness of the ethical dimensions of problems and issues in Indigenous Australian archaeology
• Critically evaluate how Indigenous Australian archaeology is presented in the media

1. Describe the major techniques used in Indigenous Australian archaeology
2. Outline a chronological overview of the Indigenous history of Australia
3. Demonstarte awareness of the ethical dimensions of problems and issues in Indigenous Australian archaeology
4. Critically evaluate how Indigenous Australian archaeology is presented in the media
5. Demonstrate practical skills in Indigenous archaeology
6. Apply specific skills that are important at university and in the workplace such as communication skills and the ability to work in groups