Additional Information

Course Number

ANTHRO 123A (ANTHRO 223A, ARCHLGY 123A)

Course Description

The debates over the return of cultural property have raged for centuries. At stake are key questions about the rights of Indigenous peoples, intellectual freedom, nationalism, globalization, heritage management, the meaning of history, and the purpose of museums in the world. This seminar examines these vital discussions that intersect law and morality, science and religion, culture and politics. Discussions will be informed by cross-cultural, legal, ethical perspectives, exploring both the philosophical and practical implications of the repatriation debates. This course will provide students with a nuanced historical viewpoint of museum collections, heritage policies, and legal dimensions that underpin contests over cultural property.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Appropriate Dissemination of Research
• Integrity of Research Methodology
• Maintaining Continuity of Records
• Procedures for Field Survey or Excavation
• Specimen and Research Record Storage

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• 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

Keywords & Terms

• Accountability
• Burials and Human Remains
• Consultation/Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
• Culturally Significant and/or Sacred Sites, Objects, and Places
• Equity and Representation; Discrimination and Harassment
• Indigenous, Tribal, Aboriginal Rights
• Management of Cultural Resources, Heritage, History
• Museum, Collection, Curation and Display Standards
• Ownership
• Permissions
• Repatriation
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups
• Stewardship

Topics & Issues

• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Community Archaeology and Participatory Research
• Decolonizing Archaeology
• Equity, Representation, and Diversity
• Ethical Case Studies
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Human Remains and Ethical Practice
• Indigenous Archaeology: Perspectives and Issues
• NAGPRA, Repatriation, and Indigenous Rights
• Privilege and Issues of Inclusivity