Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ARCH 272W D100

Archaeology of the Old World (4)

Class Number: 5392

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 100, 101, or 201.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of the major centres of Old World cultural development from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. Basic concepts used in reconstructing prehistoric cultures, and the artifactual and contextual evidence for the development of culture. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a survey of the prehistory of the Old World from the appearance of us modern humans in the Palaeolithic to the appearance of the earliest civilizations in the Bronze Age. This takes us from small-scale hunting-gathering societies through the development of agriculture to the development of complex state-level societies. Much of the focus will be on the periods during and following the emergence of agriculture. Students will examine the basic concepts and techniques used by archaeologists in the reconstruction of prehistoric cultures as well as the major theories about how and why cultures change over time. This course is designated as a W-course (writing-intensive) and it will provide students with the necessary background to enroll in upper division courses in archaeology.

NOTE: This course will be entirely in-person.

Grading

  • Research paper outline 5%
  • Research paper draft 10%
  • Research Paper 20%
  • Participation 15%
  • Mid-term exam 25%
  • Final exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Scarre, C. 3rd edition. The Human Past: World Prehistory and the Development of Human Societies. Norton. 
ISBN: 978-0-5002-9063-7

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.