Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ARCH 272W D100

Archaeology of the Old World (4)

Class Number: 4587

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2025
    Fri, 11:59–11:59 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 origin and development of ancient Old World cultures, emphasising the contributions made by ancient peoples to the human experience. It will encompass cultural and environmental history from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze/Iron Ages. For each time period, a discussion of global-scale cultural and environmental developments will be presented, followed by a more detailed comparative examination of developments in two or three regions. Students will be introduced to basic concepts used in reconstructing prehistoric cultures, and the artefactual and contextual evidence for the development of culture. 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

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 10%
  • Research Paper Annotated Bibliography 10%
  • Research Paper Outline 10%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Mid-Term Exam (in class) 20%
  • Final Exam (take-home) 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Scarre, C. (ed). 2024. The Human Past: World Prehistory and the Development of Human Societies. 4th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.