Module Details

Module Code: CULT H1023
Full Title: Human Origins: The Palaeolithic
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Conor Brady
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module explores the evolutionary origins of the human race and charts the long sequence of development to the cultural high point of the Upper Palaeolithic. Core topics explored in this module include the definition of humanity, the origins of the species in Africa, the dispersal of various sub-species and the emergence of modern humans. Additional themes examined include the development of speech, the development of tools, the discovery of fire, social organisation and the emergence of art with particular emphasis on the art of the Upper Palaeolithic.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Distinguish the major steps in the development of the human species
MLO2 Analyse the point at which humanity emerges
MLO3 Evaluate the factors behind technological innovation
MLO4 Assess the impact of developments during the Palaeolithic on modern world humans
MLO5 Evaluate the importance of the emergence of art as a means of understanding the thought processes of ancient peoples
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Introduction
n/a
Evolution and Human Origins
n/a
The Link with Primates
n/a
The Earliest Hominins
n/a
The Australopithecenes
n/a
Homo Ergaster
n/a
Homo Erectus
n/a
The Acheulean
n/a
The Earliest colonisation of Europe
n/a
The origins of Homo Sapiens
n/a
The Neanderthals
n/a
East Asia and Australasia
n/a
The Americas
n/a
The European Upper Palaeolithic
n/a
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Five short written pieces outlining and explaining the characteristics and evolutionary significance of six hominin and human species.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be asked to write an essay to be chosen from a selection of topics relating to the development of hominid species, technological innovation and the emergence of art and symbolic communication; approx. 1500 words
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Five short written pieces outlining and explaining the characteristics and evolutionary significance of six hominin and human species.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be asked to write an essay to be chosen from a selection of topics relating to the development of hominid species, technological innovation and the emergence of art and symbolic communication; approx. 2,000 words.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Scarre, Chris. (2005), The Human Past, Thames and Hudson, London.
  • Fagan, Brian. (2004), People of the Earth: An Introduction to World Prehistory, Pearson, Boston.
  • Cunliffe, Barry (ed). (2001), The Oxford Illustrated History of Prehistoric Europe, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Lewin, R.. (2005), Human Evolution: An Illustrated Introduction, Blackwell, Oxford.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources