The Archaeology of State Formation and Transformation
UndergraduateMAQ-ARCX33012027
Course information for 2027 intake
Early states formed, changed and sometimes collapsed. Work with archaeological, written and visual evidence. Compare the forces that shaped political organisation across ancient societies.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 18 July 2027
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 26 July 2027
- Price from
- $2,355
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
The Archaeology of State Formation and Transformation
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to
- Apply theoretical approaches to the emergence and transformation of complex societies
- Identify the various factors that led to state formation, transformation and societal collapse in the ancient world.
- Describe the role of leadership, power and authority in the emergence rise and transformation of states and polities.
- Articulate the intersection of various forms of archaeological, textual and visual culture in the emergence, decline and transformation of complex societies.
- Critically interpet archaeological evidence, textual data and visual culture.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials
This unit examines the origin and development of the "state" in the ancient world, from the earliest states in Egypt and Western Asia, to the Late Antique period c. 700 AD, through investigation of the archaeological, textual and visual materials. Starting with the emergence of human complexity in deep time, the unit foregrounds later developments, including the emergence of agriculture and the development of urbanism. Particular attention is paid to the processes involved in the formation of the first states in Egypt and Mesopotamia (c. 3300-3100 BC), with theoretical models for state development forming the foundation upon which the ancient evidence is overlaid. The nature of ‘collapse’ or transformation in the region is examined against theories of societal resilience in the face of climate change, social, political and economic factors. These themes are interrogated against modern developments and issues of our time.
- Essay (40%)
- Oral Presentation (35%)
- Open book examination (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-AHIX2250-Ancient Egypt: Culture and Society
- MAQ-AHIX1250-Western Asia and Egypt in Antiquity: An Introduction
- MAQ-MHIX2202-Merchants, Markets, and Globalisation
Others
Pre-requisite: 120 cp at 1000 level or above
NCCW
ARCH3301 The Archaeology of State Formation and Transformation
AHIS3251 State Formation: Eygpt and the Near East
AHIX3251 State Formation: Eygpt and the Near East
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-HIS-DEG
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