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Bethany Muscat,
Zenobia Jacobs,
Vicky Wallace,
Richard Roberts,
and
Gert van den Bergh
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more There are no special requirements for studying this course but it might be of special interest to those considering retraining or further study in this area - whether it’s postgraduate study or study after leaving school. You can use the hashtag #FLhobbit to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more There are no special requirements for studying this course but it might be of special interest to those considering retraining or further study in this area - whether it’s postgraduate study or study after leaving school. You can use the hashtag #FLhobbit to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more There are no special requirements for studying this course but it might be of special interest to those considering retraining or further study in this area - whether it’s postgraduate study or study after leaving school. You can use the hashtag #FLhobbit to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
- The discovery of Homo floresiensis and its international significance (including local and international perceptions)
- Controversies surrounding the discovery of Homo floresiensis and the heated debate over its biological status
- The multifaceted evolutionary history of human origins
- The significance and multidisciplinary nature of modern archaeological science and its approaches for excavating and examining evidence
- The basis and application of scientific techniques used to investigate the behaviour of the hobbit, its period of existence and the environment in which it lived.
- Evidence gathered through examination of the stratigraphy of archaeological sites, faunal remains and stone tool artefacts
- The role and application of a range of dating methods used to shed light on the chronology of the life and times of Homo floresiensis
- The impact of archaeochemistry techniques for extracting evidence from artefacts
- Characteristics of hobbit skeletal remains and how these compare to modern humans
- Evolutionary implications of the discovery of Homo floresiensis
- Current projects and research opportunities addressing unanswered questions about Homo floresiensis and human evolution
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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Reviews summary
Homo floresiensis: science & controversy
According to learners interested in human evolution and scientific discovery, this course offers a fascinating and deep dive into the Homo floresiensis phenomenon. Students highlight the clear explanation of complex scientific concepts, making advanced topics like dating methods and archaeochemistry accessible. Many appreciate the multidisciplinary approach, covering archaeological evidence, skeletal characteristics, and the controversies surrounding the 'hobbit' discovery. The course is seen as well-structured and insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of this unique part of human history.
Addresses the academic debates surrounding the discovery.
"I found the segments on the controversies and heated debates particularly engaging; it made the science feel alive."
"The course didn't shy away from discussing the different interpretations and scientific arguments, which I valued."
"It was insightful to understand the historical context of the discovery and the various perspectives on its meaning."
Offers a broad, integrated view of the topic from various fields.
"The multidisciplinary nature of this course, blending archaeology, biology, and geology, provided a truly holistic view."
"It covered everything from the discovery to the ongoing research, giving a very complete picture of Homo floresiensis."
"I liked that it delved into both the scientific basis and the wider implications, making it feel very well-rounded."
Complex archaeological and biological concepts are explained well.
"The instructors did a wonderful job breaking down complex scientific techniques like dating methods and archaeochemistry."
"I really appreciated how clearly the course explained the evidence gathered from skeletal remains and stone tools."
"Even without a strong science background, I found the explanations of biological status and evolutionary implications easy to follow."
Explores an intriguing and unique aspect of human evolution.
"Absolutely fascinating! Learning about Homo floresiensis was truly captivating, a topic I'd barely heard about before."
"I found the entire subject of the 'hobbit' incredibly engaging, especially the details of its discovery and significance."
"This course completely opened my eyes to a fascinating part of human evolutionary history I didn't know existed."
Pacing might be slow for some, but allows for depth.
"While thorough, I sometimes felt the pace was a bit slow, especially in the more theoretical sections."
"For a casual learner, some of the scientific detail could be dense, but it ensures comprehensive coverage."
"I enjoyed the depth, but for those seeking a quick overview, it might feel a little drawn out at times."
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Homo Floresiensis Uncovered: The Science of ‘the Hobbit’.
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Learners who complete Homo Floresiensis Uncovered: The Science of ‘the Hobbit’ will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
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Reading list
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This handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of the field of archaeology, covering a wide range of topics, from the history of the discipline to the latest developments in theory and method. It is an essential reference work for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest research in archaeology.
Provides a clear and concise overview of the major theoretical and methodological approaches in archaeology. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the different ways that archaeologists interpret the past.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the field of archaeology, covering its history, methods, and theories. It is an excellent introduction to the discipline for anyone who is new to the subject.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of human origins, covering the evidence for human evolution from the earliest hominins to the emergence of modern humans. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the origins of our species.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of ancient Egypt, covering the history, culture, and society of the ancient Egyptians. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating civilization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of the Roman Empire, covering the history, culture, and society of the Romans. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this powerful and influential empire.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of medieval Europe, covering the history, culture, and society of the Middle Ages. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important period of European history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of colonial America, covering the history, culture, and society of the colonists. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important period of American history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of gender, covering the history, culture, and society of gender. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of religion, covering the history, culture, and society of religion. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of death, covering the history, culture, and society of death. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important topic.
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This is widely considered a foundational textbook in archaeology, offering a comprehensive overview of the field's theories, methods, and practical applications. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding and is commonly used in undergraduate programs. The book covers a vast range of topics and global examples, making it an excellent reference tool.
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Provides a broad survey of world prehistory, exploring the development of human societies across different regions and time periods. It's a valuable resource for gaining a foundational understanding of the human story as revealed by archaeology. It serves well as a textbook for introductory courses.
Offers a clear and engaging introduction to the key theoretical concepts and debates in archaeology. It is particularly useful for students looking to deepen their understanding of the intellectual underpinnings of archaeological research. It is often used as a core text in theory courses.
Considered a classic, this book provides a comprehensive history of the development of archaeological thought from its origins to the present day. It is crucial for understanding the evolution of the discipline and the context for contemporary approaches. This is more suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.
A seminal work by a key figure in processual archaeology, this book outlines Binford's approach to understanding the archaeological record through the lens of living systems. It classic that provides valuable insights into archaeological reasoning and interpretation. This must-read for those interested in the history of archaeological theory.
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Presents a compelling and sometimes controversial view of the archaeological evidence for the history of ancient Israel, comparing it with the biblical narrative. It is highly relevant for courses touching on Biblical Archaeology and demonstrates how archaeology can inform and challenge historical interpretations. It is accessible to a broad audience.
A comprehensive introduction to the archaeology of one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations. covers the history, environment, language, and major periods of ancient Egypt, directly supporting courses on Egyptology. It widely used textbook for those specializing in this area.
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Provides an in-depth look at the major pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica, covering their history, societies, and material culture. It is directly relevant to courses on Mesoamerican archaeology and valuable resource for understanding the rich archaeological heritage of this region. It is suitable for undergraduate and graduate levels.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c4unx0/homo
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Time
12 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institution
University of Wollongong
Instructors
Bethany Muscat
Zenobia Jacobs
Vicky Wallace
Richard Roberts
Gert van den Bergh
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