Becoming Human - ARC00018M
Module summary
In this module we consider the fascinating question of what it means to be human. We ask if there are critical characteristics of humans which mark us as different from other species, and how, when and where we might identify them in the archaeological record.
We cover the span of human (and pre human) societies from three million years ago until the origins of our own species, and include early human activities 2 million years ago in Africa, Homo ergaster and Homo heidelbergensis and lastly Neanderthals. We discuss and develop key themes, including the origins of uniquely human social relationships, interdependence and collaboration, care practices, aesthetic sensibilities and mortuary practices and you have an opportunity to explore one theme in detail in your essay.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module aims to:
- to develop an understanding some of the key debates over the origins of key human traits in thought, social relationships and culture
- to provide an overview of key changes taking place in human societies during the lower and middle Palaeolithic periods
- to encourage critical appraisal of how archaeological evidence can be used to build up an understanding of the progressive emergence of key human capacities
Module learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key transitions in the emergence of human thought, social relationships and culture
- Be able to critically discuss interpretations of the origins of uniquely ‘human’ traits and their potential significance
- Demonstrate critical engagement with interpretations of and debates surrounding archaeological and related evidence from the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic
- Communicate complex ideas in an analytical framework through essay writing and presentations
Module content
We begin by considering some of the ‘golden barriers’ that have been constructed between humans and other animals, and the extent to which our nearest living relatives, other apes, have crossed these barriers. We then consider key traits which have been seen as dividing humanity from other animals and the possible archaeological evidence for these traits in early hominins in Africa, archaic humans in Africa and Europe and the Neanderthals. We consider what archaeological evidence might tell us about the emergence of particular human capacities including care for the vulnerable, art, mortuary practices and culture. We also consider the extent to which Neanderthals followed a different evolutionary path to ourselves.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: oral feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Spikins, P. A. 2022. Hidden depths: the origins of human connection. White Rose University Press.
Toth, N. and Shick, K. 2018. African Origins, in C. Scarre (ed.) The Human Past: World Prehistory and the Development of Human Societies, Thames and Hudson (p47-70)
Wragg Sykes, R. 2020. Kindred: Neanderthal life, love, death and art. Bloomsbury Sigma.