arc2art art and symbolism
ART AND SYMBOLISM OF THE ANCIENTS
ARC2ART
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
The appearance of art in the archaeological record has often been said to herald the appearance of our species, behaviourally modern human. In this subject, students explore the art and symbolic behaviour of past human societies. We investigate the earliest expressions of art; its chronology and the various interpretations of why art appeared at the time it did in the archaeological record and it covers the time from over 100,000 years ago up until the Neolithic period. Art is examined in its variety, form and iconic content and we seek to determine common themes of humanity. Theoretical aspects of the interpretation of ancient art by various practitioners are discussed and we examine the links between the changing environment and humans through the images preserved in the archaeological record. A global approach is taken using examples from Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorRichard Cosgrove
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Students must have completed at least 60 credit points (including 15credits of archaeology) or obtain the subject coordinators permission
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects ARC2ASA
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introduction to Rock Art Research | Prescribed | Whitley, D.S 2005 | LEFT COAST PRESS, 2005 |
| Readings | A Companion to Rock Art | Prescribed | McDonald, J. & P. Veth 2012 | Wiley-Blackwell |
| Readings | The archaeology of rock art | Recommended | Chippendale, C. & Tacon, S. (eds) | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1998 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Draw on theoretical and methodological literature to develop and answer research questions about comparative rock art from a region or locality.
- Activities:
- Each week a film on rock art of a region of the world will be shown. Focus on discussion and exercises relevant to that topic.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
02. Integrate and understand the theoretical approaches, methodology and research questions appropriate to the evidence from rock art site across the globe.
- Activities:
- One 1-hour examination 30%
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Present findings of analysis of rock art images in discussion groups, identifying the methods, styles and locations of the sites.
- Activities:
- Group discussions and presentation in class of main issues on the weekly theme. Choose a rock art site and describe the images in terms of techniques, size, character, form and structure.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
04. Understand the various cultural attributes & customs of contemporary societies through investigations of the rock art contained within the archaeological record.
- Activities:
- Examples of the use of imagery and rock art in different societies to provide analogies for explanation of the role and purpose of ancient art.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
05. Write an essay using the Harvard referencing system.
- Activities:
- Write a major essay on a significant issue in rock art studies
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorRichard Cosgrove
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1-hour examination (1,000-word equivalent) | 30 | 02 | |
| One 1000-word assignment | 20 | 03, 04 | |
| One 2000-word essay | 40 | 05 | |
| Three PeerWise multiple choice questions | 10 | 01 |