Thursdays 2.15 - 4.00 260-008

first class Thursday 1 April

last class Thursday 27 May

Schedule | Bibliography

Topic

The course is about the social and political context of archaeological work. It is about communities of archaeologists and others who work on the archaeological past in some way. It includes an historical outlook too - the history of archaeological work.

Aims

to introduce the context of professional archaeological practice
to facilitate acquisition of the conceptual toolkit needed for navigating this context
to provide a framework and opportunity to become familiar with the literatures in archaeology that deal with socio-political and historical context
to encourage thoughtful personal viewpoint on important issues

Issues

cultural politics in relation to archaeology
the state and its interests in the archaeological past
democracy and pluralism
ownership and access
the art and antiques market
the conservation ethic
the concept of heritage
archaeology and nationalism
archaeology and colonialism
ideology critique and archaeological knowledge
reburial and other forms of cultural conflict over archaeological remains and activities
repatriation of antiquities
the workings of archaeological discourse - the discipline
the role of the archaeologist as professional, academic, intellectual, cultural worker, or steward of the remains of the past, in relation to other interests

Questions

what is the basis of professional authority?
how tied to nationalist interests is archaeology?
with the proliferation of different interests and claims on the the past, what grounds are there for resolution of discord?
can there be plural pasts?
is rationality/reason an appropriate single ground for pluralist interests in the past?
what constitutues ethical practice in archaeology?
is academic science separable from heritage management?
is the notion of cultural resource tenable?
is it appropriate to consider the archaeologist as an authoritative member of the public sphere?
what is the relation of archaeologist to audiences and constituencies?

Structure

The course begins with a session of orientation from MS. The following week will be reserved for preparation. There follows a presentation from MS on an issue that interests him – Archaeological practice and the boundaries of science.

The rest of the course will consist of six sessions of presentations from seminar members. These presentations are to consist, per graduate, of a 30 minute paper (3000 words) followed by discussion chaired by the paper presenter(s). The presenters will be expected to resource the seminar with photocopies, visual aids etc. The seminar paper is to be submitted for assessment.

Though graduates will only be asked to make one presentation, they will be expected to read for each topic. The topics are, in any case, interconnected.

Resources

There are no textbooks. A study collection of books will be made available in a mutually convenient location. Readings and other materials will be circulated as photocopies.

The reading lists are a beginning only - students will be expected to pursue their own literature searches. MS can help with any problems of availability.

There is also Shanks's blog [link] - on all sorts of matters archaeological.

Assessment

This course in quite uncompromising and, frankly, demanding. The issues and literatures are broad. Graduates will be expected to read widely and deeply, to participate fully in discussion. This expectation is reflected in the assessment which consists of two parts.

One. Participation in the seminar. 25% of final grade will be based upon the seminar presentation and 25% on general contribution to discussion. For the latter MS will monitor attendance and active contribution (from week 5).

Two. An end of quarter unseen examination of 3 hours. Four essays, chosen from six.

Credit will be given for breadth of knowledge of relevant literatures as well as insight into key issues.