Additional Information

Course Number

ANTH 456

Course Level

Course Description

Archaeology and the Public presents case studies of the practice of archaeology in a global context. Public archaeology serves as a necessary complement to traditional academic archaeology, providing a link between the consumers and producers of information about the prehistoric and historic past. Archaeological research has changed significantly since the 1980s, today dominated by legislative based archaeology and goals of disseminating archaeological data beyond the academy. Therefore, this course explores current methods in the collection, curation, and interpretation of archaeological materials from the perspective of museums, private consulting firms, government agencies, the amateur public, and Indigenous communities. The course investigates the complex social landscape that practicing archaeologists must navigate in the modern day as well as coming decades. The course reviews the legislation that shapes archaeological practice, media representations of archaeology, career paths and preparation in public archaeology, archaeological ethics, outreach and education in archaeology, community partnerships, looting and destruction of cultural heritage, amateur archaeologists, and heritage tourism. In all cases the importance of civic engagement is emphasized. Engagement is necessary for disseminating archaeological knowledge, considering alternative views and differing impacts of archaeological research, and maintaining the relevance of archaeology in the 21st century.

Syllabus Available

Yes

Notes

Syllabus is available for PDF download on the Semester at Sea webpage for the Fall 2017 course. A course description and learning objectives are also provided. Please contact instructor for further information.

Additional tags: archaeology and the media; public arhaeology; community archaeology; amatuer archaeologists; civic engagement; heritage tourism; careers in archaeology; cultural resource management;

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

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

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• Principle 3: Responsibility for acquiring and recording reliable information of the past in archaeological research
• Principle 4: Responsibility for the availability of archaeological results within reasonable dispatch
• Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment

Keywords & Terms

• Accountability
• Adequate and Responsible Reporting, Publication, and Dissemination
• Anti-Commercialization
• Consultation/Partnership with Affected Groups
• Consultation/Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
• Employer/Client Relationships
• Impact on Communities - Local, Descendant, etc.
• Indigenous, Tribal, Aboriginal Rights
• Integrity of Research Methodology and Field Procedures
• International Law
• Local, State, Federal, and Tribal Laws
• Looting, Collecting, and Illicit Trade of Cultural Property
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Museum, Collection, Curation and Display Standards
• Preservation of Archaeological Resources
• Professional Standards
• Public Interest, Collaboration, Education, and Outreach
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Standards of Data Collection, Recordation, Analysis
• Standards of Training and Student/Teacher Responsibilities

Topics & Issues

• Amateur and Advocational Archaeology
• Antiquities Trade
• Archaeological Education
• Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
• Careers in Archaeology
• Civic Engagement
• Collaboration in Archaeology (i.e. Communities, Non-Archaeologists, etc.)
• Community Archaeology and Participatory Research
• Contract Archaeology
• Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
• Descendant, Resident, and Stakeholder Communities
• Destruction of Cultural Heritage
• Ethical Case Studies
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Heritage and Archaeological Tourism
• Heritage Management
• Historic/Cultural Resource/Site Preservation
• Interpreting the Past
• Legislation and Archaeological Preservation
• Museum and Display Ethics
• Professional Development
• Professionalism and Professional Standards
• Public Archaeology
• Public Engagement, Outreach, and Education
• Television Shows, Looting, and Ethics