Additional Information

Course Number

ANTH 2380

Course Level

Course Description

Archaeology is generally associated with the study of the past, but more and more, it serves a modern world. Archaeologists are frequely involved in genocide and natural disaster recovery efforts, and they work with law enforcement in high-profile trafficking crimes. They assist local communities in sustainable living projects, and they advise governments and stakeholders on a wide variety of environmental concerns. They are occasionally called upon to assist in the planning of wars, and they are essential to the development of national narratives under dictatorial and democratic regimes. In the context of a world recession, archaeology generates billions of tourism dollars each year even as priceless heritage sites crumble under the lack of government funds. In this global and multi-cultural world, archaeologists must consider the implications of their practice for living people and wrestle with the many political dimensions of their work. We will explore some of these ethical dilemmas with a focus on specific case studies, and will utilize an “Ethics Bowl” format to examine the dilemmas of heritage preservation, looting, and human rights.

Syllabus Available

Yes

Notes

A PDF version of this syllabus is available through the Society for American Archaeology's webpage for "Syllabi: Ethics and Archaeology" at http://www.saa.org/AbouttheSociety/AnnualMeeting/EthicsBowl/EthicsResources/SyllabiEthicsandArchaeology/tabid/201/Default.aspx. Please contact instructor for further information.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public
• Integrity of Research Methodology

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment

Keywords & Terms

• Accountability
• Armed Conflict and Violence
• Burials and Human Remains
• Conservation
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Culturally Significant and/or Sacred Sites, Objects, and Places
• Environmental Impact and Issues
• Funding, Employment, and/or Compensation for Work
• Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
• Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
• International Law
• Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Preservation of Archaeological Resources
• Professional Standards
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• UNESCO

Topics & Issues

• Antiquities Trade
• Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
• Conservation and Ethics
• Destruction of Cultural Heritage
• Ethical Case Studies
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Heritage and Archaeological Tourism
• Heritage Management
• Historic/Cultural Resource/Site Preservation
• Human Remains and Ethical Practice
• Human Rights and Social and Economic Inequalities
• Natural Disasters
• Politics and Archaeology
• Professionalism and Professional Standards
• Sustainability