The course examines the archaeological evidence for broad-scale cultural and social developments in China from the time of arrival of modern humans (ca. 40,000 years before present) through the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220). Specific topics include: the nature of early hunting and gathering societies; the emergence of plant and animal domestication; the development of metallurgy and the roles of agriculture, technology, trade and warfare in the rise of advanced civilisation during the Shang and Zhou periods; innovation and competition among the Eastern Zhou states; the significance of ancient texts; the unification of China under the First Emperor; and continuing political, intellectual and artistic achievements during the 400-year-long Han Dynasty.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Discuss major research issues in Chinese archaeology;
- Critique the portrayals of Chinese archaeology in history in academic literature;
- Discuss the processes and impacts of major cultural events and developments in China during the range of approximately 40,000 BC through AD 220;
- Apply this information toward understanding the role of China and Asia in world history; and
- Communicate knowledge of Chinese archaeology to general audiences.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation and leadership in class and tutorial sessions (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- A presentation of 20 minutes about an advanced and novel topic during one tutorial session (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- A first essay of 2000 words, demonstrating advanced reading and communication skills, critical analysis, and thorough knowledge of a significant topic (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- A second essay of 2000 words, demonstrating advanced reading and communication skills, critical analysis,and thorough knowledge of a significant topic (30) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
n/a
Assumed Knowledge
Two ASIA coded courses amongst prerequisites.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8662 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |