Unit information: The Emergence of Modern Humans in 2010/11

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Unit name The Emergence of Modern Humans
Unit code ARCH25004
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
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.