Comparative World Prehistory

Code School Level Credits Semesters
CLAR1022 Classics and Archaeology 1 10 Autumn UK
Code
CLAR1022
School
Classics and Archaeology
Level
1
Credits
10
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

This module provides you with an overview of the major developments in human prehistory drawing on case studies from around the world.  The module covers key themes including dispersal and colonisation events, changing environments, the transition from hunting and gathering to farming  the development complexity in society and ritual life and the emergence of new social and settlement forms.

Target Students

Available to all Undergraduate Level 1 students in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, including Liberal Arts, exchange and subsidiary students.

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

The aim of this module is toprovidestudents withan introduction tostudyingprehistoric archaeology. The focus will bethematicemphasisingkeyareas ofdebateand current scholarship, such ashuman dispersal, technology, environmental change, food procurement and production,monumentality,sedentism and urbanisation.Rather than providing complete global and temporal coverage, it will draw on relevant case studies from around the world.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the module, students should be able to: Demonstrate broad knowledge of prehistory, with a global perspective. Demonstrate understanding of key themes in the interpretation of archaeological evidence for this period.

Intellectual 
By the end of the module, students should be able to: 

Demonstrate critical awareness of a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the archaeology of prehistoric periods. 

Use archaeological evidence to construct and support arguments relating to broad themes and specific topics in the archaeology of prehistoric periods. 

Practical and professional 
By the end of the module, students will: 

Have gained experience of using primary archaeological evidence for prehistoric periods through focused small-group teaching.

Transferable (Key) skills 
By the end of this module, students will: 

Develop their independent study skills through preparation for lectures and small group sessions and module assessment tasks. 

Develop their ability to produce cogent and critical written arguments supported by evidence. 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.