Course Description
Archaeology and society are intertwined both locally and globally. This course explores these connections and considers the role the past plays in the present. Main themes are archaeology in the popular imagination; role of archaeological heritage/investigation in contemporary society; and influence of social, political and economic forces on archaeological practice.
Athena Title
ARCH AND SOCIETY
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 2120H
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
We will consider the impact of both society ‘writ large’ and also the perspectives of particular stakeholders and interest groups, including indigenous peoples, ethnic groups, museums, property developers, courts of law, governments, the general public, the media and the archaeological community. We will also consider the effects of globalization on archaeological heritage. While artifacts, archaeological sites or monuments are inherently local – they can only exist at one place in time – their influence can reach around the world and endure for many centuries. In this course, we will consider how the modern world shapes and distributes that influence. Students are expected to have the following learning outcomes: - Increased knowledge of the role of archaeology and heritage in local and global economics, politics, and culture; - Informed appreciation for the context and complexities of archaeological practice today; - Development of research, writing, discussion, and presentation skills.
Topical Outline
Archaeology all around us Visualizing archaeology The People and institutions of archaeology Defining the Archaeological Heritage Who owns the past? Heritage Mangagement and Protection Public Archaeology: The Museum The Archaeologist in the Popular Imagination and Popular Culture The Archaeologist as Detective: The Archaeologist in the Field, Interpreting Traces Geneaologies of Meaning: Past Meanings, Contemporaneous Meanings Archaeology and the Supernatural: Curses and the Unleashing of "Unspeakable Horrors" Archaeology in Popular Culture Authenticity: Does it Matter? Is the past a renewable resource? Consuming the Past in the Era of Globalization Heritage Tourism: The past as commodity Heritage Tourism: Living History At the service of the state The Past as Propaganda Iconoclasm and the Destruction of Heritage Negative Heritage Where do we go from here? Archaeology and Society in the 21st Century
Syllabus