Skip to main content
Unit outline_

ARCO2109: Asia: Ice Age to Empire

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Asia is the world's largest continent, home to the greatest environmental diversity on the planet. Its river valleys, mountains, steppes, jungles, islands and deserts have nurtured an extraordinarily rich variety of human responses to the pursuit of survival. As communities have evolved from small bands of hunter-foragers to large complex societies, their trajectories have diverged greatly in response to climatic, social and economic challenges. This unit offers a view of cultural development from the first humans to medieval times, presenting themes highlighting change, technological advances, interconnectivity, structures of power and our responsibility to protect the legacy of the past.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Archaeology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 1000 level in Archaeology or 6 Junior credit points of ARCO and (ANHS1600 or ANHS1601 or ANTH1001 or ARHT1001 or HSTY1089)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alison Betts, alison.betts@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Alison Betts, alison.betts@sydney.edu.au
Joseph W. Lehner, joseph.lehner@sydney.edu.au
Natali Pearson, natali.pearson@sydney.edu.au
Roland Fletcher, roland.fletcher@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Quiz 1
Short paper on assigned question, based on class readings and lectures
10% Week 04
Due date: 17 Mar 2024 at 23:59
250 wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Quiz 2
Short paper on assigned question, based on class readings and lectures
10% Week 07
Due date: 10 Apr 2024 at 23:59
250 wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Quiz 3
Short paper on assigned question, based on class readings and lectures
10% Week 10
Due date: 01 May 2024 at 23:59
250 wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Online task 1000 wd tutorial assignment
Article review
20% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:00
1000 wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Quiz 4
Short paper on assigned question, based on class readings and lectures
10% Week 13
Due date: 15 May 2024 at 23:56
250 wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment 2500 wd essay
Essay on topic of student's choice
40% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59
2500 wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

4 x 250 wd quiz: short paper on assigned question, based on class readings and lectures

2500 wd essay: essay on topic of student’s choice. Students will be provided with guidance on suitable approaches.

1000 wd tutorial assignment: review of article written up as a summary and then used as the basis for student led class discussion

You must attempt all assessments in order to be eligible to pass the unit of study.

Assessment criteria

Result Name Mark Range Description
Pass 50-64 To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard 
Credit 65-74 To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard 
Distinction 75-84 To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard
High Distinction 85-100 To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard

 

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction: overview of themes, landscapes and cultures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Out of Africa and across Asia: our hominin ancestors Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Life in the Paleolithic: glacial and post-glacial patterns Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Patterns of Domestication: East Asia – West Asia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Herders and Farmers to Urban Polities:  Mesopotamia North v South – Indus Valley – Southern Arabia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Herders and Farmers to Urban Polities:  China – Central Asia – Eurasia - Anatolia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Interconnectivities: mobility, technology transfer, trade, cultural assimilation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Asian Iron Ages - Dark Ages, City States, Nomads and Empires: West Asia - The Neo-Assyrians: structures of empire Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
No Description Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Asian Iron Ages - Dark Ages, City States, Nomads and Empires: Central Asia - Nomad confederacies Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Asian Iron Ages - Dark Ages, City States, Nomads and Empires: East Asia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student-Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Asia in Late Classical/Medieval times Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student-led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Maritime Heritage in Asia Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Student Led Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Asia Overview: yesterday and today Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this class can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate expertise in the archaeology of Asia, with particular knowledge of the diversity and complexity of human society and its inter-relationships.
  • LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of how material remains can be used to reconstruct ancient lifeways.
  • LO3. Apply critical thinking to understand the significance of the archaeological record in a modern context.
  • LO4. Function as an independent learner, demonstrating the ability to communicate complex ideas in a sophisticated manner.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit for 2023. It has never been taught before.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.