Unit information: The Emergence of Modern Humans in 2009/10

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Unit name The Emergence of Modern Humans
Unit code ARCH30018
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Professor. Zilhao
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

ARCH10003 Comparative World Archaeology

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to acquaint students with the archaeological and palaeontological evidence for the evolution of anatomically and behaviourally modern humans. Emphasis will be placed on the emergence of regional specialisations, human dispersals during the late Pleistocene and the development of early Holocene societies. Comparisons will be made between African, Asian, European and American archaeological records. Current evolutionary issues will be stressed with the objective of developing a critical awareness of how data is used to construct interpretative frameworks. Students will also develop a practical understanding of commonly used analytical techniques.

Aims:

To encourage the application and further development of students analytical skills when evaluating models of the evolution of Homo sapiens. To achieve an integration understanding of the cultural and biological components of the emergence of modernity and the extent to which change in each of these realms may (or may not) explain change in the other.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Summary knowledge of the chronology and pattern of biological and cultural developments in Africa, Asia and Europe from the Middle to the Late Pleistocene, namely of the associated human fossil record. Capacity to independently assess current interpretative frameworks and form a personal, informed opinion about the evolutionary processes underlying the emergence of behavioural and biological modernity.

Teaching Information

Seminars and lectures.

Assessment Information

All the assessment is summative:

A 30-45 minute seminar presentation (25%). A 2000 word paper that writes-up the seminar presentation (25%). An essay (50%) 3000 words.

Reading and References

  • Klein, R.G. 1999 The Human Career. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Mellars, P. 1996 The Neanderthal Legacy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  • Mellars, P. & Stringer, C. (eds.) 1989 The Human Revolution: Behavioural and Biological Perspectives on the Origin of Modern Humans. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
  • Relethford, J. 2003 Reflections of Our Past. Boulder: Westview.
  • Stringer, C. & Gamble, C. 1993 In Search of the Neanderthals. London: Thames and Hudson.
  • Wolpoff, M. 2002 Human Paleontology. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan

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