Certificate of Achievement
Eulinda Antonette Clarke-Akalanne
has completed the following course:
Homo Floresiensis Uncovered: The Science of ‘the Hobbit’
This course followed the discovery of Homo floresiensis (the Hobbit) through an exploration of the multidisciplinary nature of modern archaeological science and its contribution to challenging assumptions about human evolution. Learners uncovered, interpreted, and examined evidence from artefacts, sediments and faunal remains, and explored a range of scientific techniques for investigating the behaviour of the Hobbit, its period of existence and the environment in which it lived.
4 weeks, 2 hours per week
Richard Roberts
Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Wollongong
Transcript
Learning outcomes
- Explain the significance of the discovery of Homo floresiensis to the world of archaeology and human evolution
- Debate the evolutionary implications of the discovery of Homo floresiensis and discuss the ensuing controversy and speculations
- Compare and evaluate the application and impact of various multidisciplinary archaeological approaches for excavating and examining evidence from Liang Bua
- Identify, describe and compare layers within the stratigraphy of Liang Bua, and characteristics of artefacts and skeletal remains (hobbit and faunal)
- Interpret evidence from sediments, stone artefacts and faunal remains from Liang Bua
- Explain 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
- Collect and report on topical research regarding Homo floresiensis
- Reflect on how the Hobbit fits into the broader story of human evolution and the need for further research and expertise to address unanswered questions
Syllabus
- 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
Issued on 8th September 2017
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