107-411 Archaeology of Complex Societies

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in classics or classical studies and archaeology.

This subject examines the concept of complexity from an archaeological perspective. It surveys various cultural traditions, focusing on issues associated with the emergence and development of social, economic and political complexity such as the advent of sedentism; early villages; the evolution of urban, literate societies; city-states and incipient supra-regional polities; and ancient 'world empires'. Students should complete the subject with a critical understanding of historical and contemporary theoretical issues in archaeological research and interpretation concerned with complexity, and have a knowledge of various methodologies utilised toward these interpretative ends.

• be skilled in research;

• possess advanced skills of critical thinking and analysis;

• possess an ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly, economically and effectively;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A 2500 word seminar report 40% (due during the semester), presentation of seminar report 20% (due during the semester), and a 2500 word essay 40% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.