107-121 Archaeology of Australia

see Prerequisites.

The subject explores the archaeological evidence concerned with the dynamic and highly adaptable Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders of Australia, including issues such as the origins of the first Australians, the process of colonisation of the Australian continent, the impact of occupations as determined by environmental modification and responses to Europeans on the colonial frontier. Students will also examine the development of trading networks, art, social organisation and religion. On completion of the subject students should be able to appreciate regional variations and patterning from the Pleistocene to Holocene periods; be familiar with the range of techniques used to study different archaeological sites across the continent and with current theoretical approaches to understanding Australia's 60 000 year history.