Program Overview

Introduction to AHIS3000 – Capstone in Ancient History and Archaeology

The Capstone in Ancient History and Archaeology is a research-focused unit designed for students to undertake extended research on a topic arising from an Ancient History or Archaeology unit they have previously completed. This unit aims to help students consolidate their learning from previous units of study in Ancient History and Archaeology, reflect on the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they have acquired, and demonstrate these in their transition from final year to workplace or further study.

General Information

• Unit Convenor and Teaching Staff: Convener and tutor Julia Hamilton.
• Credit Points: 10.
• Prerequisites: Admission to BAncHist or BArch or BArts and 130cp at 1000 level or above or (40cp from AHIS2130 or AHIS2210 or AHIS2211 or AHIS2225 or AHIS2250 or AHIS2251 or AHIS2301 or AHIS2302).
• Corequisites: None.
• Co-badged Status: None.
• Unit Description: Students will undertake extended research on a topic arising from an AHIS unit which they have previously completed, and produce a research project which will be presented orally and as a written paper.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge of historical and archaeological developments relevant to their chosen topic.
• Evaluate ancient source material and modern interpretations of that source material at an advanced level.
• Formulate arguments and express ideas at an advanced level.
• Manage an extended research and writing project.
• Reflect upon the process of research and on scholarly debates.

Assessment Tasks

• Research Plan: 30% - Due: 24/08/2025.
• Podcast: 30% - Due: 12/10/2025.
• Research Paper: 40% - Due: 09/11/2025.

Delivery and Resources

• Research Supervisor: A member of academic staff from the department of History and Archaeology or the Unit Convenor will be allocated to provide guidance and support.
• Seminars: There will be four cohort meetings in this unit: Week 1, Week 3, Week 8, and Week 12.
• Technology Used and Required: The unit has an iLearn page, and students will need PC and internet access. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also required.

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule includes:

• Week 1: Welcome and Choosing Your Research Topic.
• Week 2: Literature Review and Note-Taking.
• Week 3: Writing Your Research Plan.
• Week 4: Writing Your Annotated Bibliography – Assessment 1 Due.
• Week 5: Primary Evidence.
• Week 6: Data Organisation.
• Week 7: Outline Ideas and Reading.
• Week 8: Podcast Preparation – Cohort Meeting #3 and Supervisor Meeting #2.
• Week 9: Producing Your Podcast – Assessment 2 Due.
• Week 10: First Draft.
• Week 11: Second Draft.
• Week 12: Final Draft and Conclusions – Cohort Meeting #4.
• Week 13: Producing your Final Research Paper – Assessment 3 Due.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the Academic Appeals Policy, Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Progression Policy, Assessment Policy, Fitness to Practice Procedure, Assessment Procedure, Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public, and Special Consideration Policy.

Accessibility Statement

This unit is intended for all students, including those with mental or physical disabilities, illness, injuries, impairments, or any other condition that tends to negatively affect one's equal access to education. Students with accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services to ensure that the university is supporting their learning.