Handbook

The shift from foraging to farming is one of the most dramatic developments in human history and has remained an area of intense interest in archaeology for over a century. Beginning some 15,000 years ago, this fundamental transition laid the foundations for modern urban living - but also had huge impacts upon the environmental footprint of such societies, which in turn significantly affected their societal and environmental sustainability and resilience. At a time of rapidly accelerating climate deterioration and resource shortfalls, these themes are more relevant than ever. In order to better understand this seismic transition, particular attention is paid to the problems archaeologists face in differentiating the material residues of early farmers from those of hunter gatherers. In this subject you will learn about the earliest agricultural developments in the Middle East and how they are placed in a global perspective by considering the advent of farming in Europe, north and sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Melanesia, Mesoamerica and South America. ARC3FFF is a face-to-face subject. where attendance in tutorials is vital to undertake assignment tasks effectively.