UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

ARCY1002 Experimenting with Archaeology invites students to explore the past by getting their hands dirty—literally! This engaging and hands-on unit introduces archaeological methods and material culture through experimental archaeology. Students learn how to survey, excavate, make and record artefacts, collect environmental samples, and process archaeological finds, while gaining practical insight into how ancient people made and used everyday objects. Practical classes at UWA's purpose-built Archaeology and Forensics Experimental Facility provide the opportunity to handle stone, clay, fibre, plants, shell, bone, pigments and other materials essential to archaeology. A highlight of the unit is the rewarding experience of replicating and researching an artefact—such as a stone tool, ceramic vessel, or woven item—using traditional techniques. Through this process, students develop a deep appreciation of ancient technologies, problem-solving, and the skill involved in making. This unit offers a memorable, tactile foundation for understanding how archaeologists interpret material culture and reconstruct past lifeways.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 1 core unit in the Archaeology major sequence
• Level 1 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand how archaeologists conduct their research with an emphasis on practical skills such as making stone tools, working with wood, clay, and other methods of making artefacts.; (2) evaluate how the main recording, dating and analysis techniques are used in archaeological investigations.; (3) understand the archaeological research process with an emphasis on appropriate legal, occupational health and safety, and ethical compliances.; (4) apply their acquired knowledge in writing within scientific conventions and demonstrate critical reading skills and source criticism.; (5) understand how traditional artefacts were made based on relevant archaeological information and literature.; and (6) apply knowledge about ancient artefact tool manufacture in a practical and experimental way and communicate this appropriately in written form..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) archaeology worksheets and (2) archaeology design project. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the archaeology design project component.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Alistair Paterson

Unit rules

Incompatibility

ARCY1102 Archaeology of Tribes and Empires

Incidental fees

Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field Trips within or outside the metro area, travel and food only. (estimated cost - $20).

Contact hours

3 hours per week - 1 x 1 hour Lecture + 1 x 2 Hour Tutorial/Practical

Note

This unit teaches skills and content that are recognised and can be recorded as Group A and/or Group B Skills according to the Australian Archaeology Skills Passport of the Australian Archaeological Association: https://australianarchaeologicalassociation.com.au/careers-resources/the-australian-archaeology-skills-passport/

To deliver the individual and group learning outcomes of this unit, participation in all learning experiences and assessment tasks is essential. Non-participation will result in some, or all vital content being missed, marks not earned, and/or penalties being applied.

Note that the weekly seminars include hands-on, practical activities that are not captured by the Echo360 lecture capture system.